[size=x-large]Reading winger Jimmy Kebe claims fake Newcastle transfer[/size]
The Royals winger joked via Twitter that he was set to leave the Madejski Stadium in order to join the growing Francophone contingent in the North East
Reading winger Jimmy Kebe has poked fun at Newcastle's policy of recruiting mainly French-speaking players, jokingly claiming that he was on the verge of making a move to St. James' Park.
Kebe tweeted on Thursday: "On my way to Newcastle, having medical then sign a 4 years contract. Thank you all for your support you've been outstanding !!!!"
However, the Mali midfielder then went on to explain that is was just a hoax, and has no plans to leave the Royals.
"Oups i thought if you're french and play football u just pop in to Newcastle and sign a contract. Not a chance of leaving #LoveReadingFc#"
The Magpies have signed Mathieu Debuchy, Yoan Gouffran, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara from Ligue 1 already this January, with Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko also possibly on his way.
However, Kebe's joke was not well received by his Reading team-mate Danny Guthrie, who used to play for Newcastle.
"Just read @jkebe tweet and s**t myself!! Don't do that again," Guthrie tweeted.