Benitez issues warning over Sissoko

Sissoko impressed at Euro 2016 for France and has been attracting attention from some of Europe's top clubs including Real Madrid.

However, no club has met Newcastle's £35million asking price and Benitez has warned that it will not be easy to sign the midfielder if clubs leave it until the last minute.

"If someone thinks if they will wait until August 31 it will be easier, I can guarantee them it will be more difficult," he told 'BBC Sport'.

"If someone wants to come, they have to come now with the right offer and we will analyse that. If not, he is still our player and he carries on working hard.

"Every day will be more difficult because we are happy with him and we don't have to sell".

Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez said that he warned the player over his public attempts to attract interest from other clubs.

"I told Moussa we know how things work in modern football and that is not the right way.

"I said, 'You are a professional, you are our player, I rate you very highly and I like you as a person - keep working hard and let other people do their business'".