MOUSSA SISSOKO’S future at Newcastle United faces further uncertainty, but a fellow Frenchman is convinced he can still play a huge part in Steve McClaren’s attempts to turn the club around.

Sources close to AC Milan claim the Magpies have told them that Sissoko is available for around £13m with fresh speculation likely to increase as the January transfer window approaches. But he is not the only former Ligue 1 player with his Newcastle career unclear, with Gouffran targeted by a number of interested clubs during the summer window.

The former Bordeaux forward, who was asked to play holding midfield in the 6-1 defeat at Manchester City last weekend, has struggled to force his way into McClaren’s plans.

And it remains to be seen whether he will be asked to play that role again, although the introduction of Cheik Tiote and the heavy defeat to City suggests he may not.

But Gouffran, who would readily admit that playing in the more defensive role is not his ideal position, is not ready to give up and is confident he can perform in the English top-flight having arrived in January 2013.

"It was difficult for me, because sometimes I was not in the squad,” said Gouffran. “But I worked in training and when Jack Colback was injured the manager told me I would play. I have to wait for opportunities. I’m 29, and I know I can play (in the Premier League). You have to respect the choice of the manager.”

The spotlight is well and truly on Newcastle after a failure to win any of their opening eight games which has left them propping up the rest of the division. It has led to pressure on McClaren already, even though there was an improved display against Chelsea in the game which preceded the trip to the Etihad.

Gouffran, hoping to retain his place against Norwich on Sunday week, said: "It would have been better to play again quickly, but it's the international break. We have two weeks to work to try to get the first win.

"I think we played very well in the first half at Manchester City. We had some chances to score more goals, and we didn't. I don't know what changed in the second half. We didn't defend together.”

If Newcastle continue to struggle it is sure to increase the likelihood of Sissoko leaving. Despite failing to find top form in the last year, the France international is still being considered by a number of clubs with the likes of Paris St Germain, Liverpool and Arsenal among those linked.

It has emerged AC Milan are looking to take him to Serie A, having been unable to persuade Newcastle to do business in the summer. Milan, however, are hopeful the Magpies will reduce the £13m asking price.

* Four of Newcastle's games in December have been moved to accommodate live TV coverage.

Sky Sports have chosen to screen the Magpies' matches with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham, while the Boxing Day game with Everton will be televised on BT Sport.

Newcastle's December schedule will begin with a home game against Liverpool on Sunday, December 6 (4pm).

The following weekend, Newcastle travel to White Hart Lane to play Tottenham in a match that will now take place on Sunday, December 13 (4pm). The Magpies' next game against Aston Villa remains on Saturday, December 19, but will now take place at the later time of 5.30pm.

And the Boxing Day home game with Everton has also been put back to a 5.30pm kick-off.