What would Joel Matip and Florian Thauvin add to Newcastle?

Matip would cut an imposing figure at 6ft 4in and would bring the physicality to go alongside much-maligned club captain Fabricio Coloccini’s sense of positioning. Neither he nor Mike Williamson covered themselves in much glory towards the end of last term, but were more often than not partnered by full backs Paul Dummett or Daryl Janmaat operating out of position.

It’s this kind of situation McClaren must avoid if the Magpies are to revive their fortunes under him. Dispatches say Matip could cost €14m, which at the current exchange rate is a shade under £10m.

Controversial owner Ashley has not shown any proclivity towards spending sums that amount to £20m on two players during his reign, which rather dampens any optimism Toon Army members may have had.

Selling Cisse and taking Thauvin just reinforces the French connection on Tyneside, with the hope being he will turn about to be more Yohan Cabaye than Hatem Ben Arfa. Newcastle are far from discouraged when it comes to scouting Ligue 1 for talent, despite Remy Cabella’s less than convincing debut season in England last term where he was often shunted to the wing.

McClaren should take note that the bulk of a 14-goal haul at Montpellier in 2013/14 came Cabella’s way when playing off the front. Compatriot Thauvin, an attacking outlet more suited to a wide berth, netted five goals and made seven assists as Marseille finished fourth in the French top-flight last season.

These are not exactly numbers to make the mouth water, but as ever with Newcastle, who are 9/4 to part company with McClaren before the end of the 2015/16 campaign, there is an element of purchasing potential should Thauvin join.