Robert Pires: 'Newcastle United a stepping stone for Mathieu Debuchy'

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has said that Newcastle United would be a "nice stepping stone" for Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Magpies after impressing in Ligue 1 as well as during France's Euro 2012 campaign.

Les Dogues have already rejected Newcastle's initial £4m approach for the full-back, but Alan Pardew is believed to be readying a second bid.

Pires has advised Debuchy to seek a move to the Premier League and said that Newcastle would be an ideal destination.

"He has a game which really suits the Premier League with his speed," Pires told Le 10 Sport. "He also has such an attacking game, but is very aggressive in defence.

"If I have any advice to give him, it would be to try his luck in England.

"Newcastle would be a very good club for him because he would find his friends Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa. Also, they are one of the top English clubs, with a history and a beautiful stadium. For him and the rest of his career, they would be a nice stepping stone."

Debuchy came through the youth ranks at the Stade Lille-Metropole, making his debut for the club in 2003.