Newcastle boss pleased with Frenchman's response after failed Arsenal bid

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew says he's pleased with the response of Yohan Cabaye after Arsenal's attempted move for the midfielder failed in the summer.

The Gunners made a reported bid of around £10 million for the France international during the transfer window. The offer was rejected by Newcastle, but Pardew admitted at the time that Cabaye's "head had been turned" by Arsenal's interest.

The 27-year-old was then left out of the Magpies' squad for the season opener at Manchester City and has yet to start for the club in this campaign. Cabaye wasn't called-up for his country's World Cup qualifying victories over Georgia and Belarus this month either.

However, Pardew said the international break provided a good opportunity for the player to improve his fitness. He said:

Cabaye will be available for Newcastle's Premier League match away to Aston Villa on Saturday. Click here for team news ahead of the game.