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Newcastle leave Arsenal target Yohan Cabaye out of cup squad as transfer war continues
NEWCASTLE UNITED midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been left out of his side's Capital One Cup tie against Morecambe on Wednesday as his future remains clouded in uncertainty.
Cabaye, who missed the first two games of the season against Manchester City and West Ham, has been the subject of a failed transfer bid from Arsenal.
The Gunners' £10m opening offer was met with opprobrium by Pardew, who castigated the timing of it on the day of the City game.
Cabaye's possible departure from Tyneside has raised the spectre of the club lining up a move for Wigan's James McCarthy as a possible replacement.
Newcastle are thought to want around £20m for Cabaye, whose representatives are pushing for a move to the Emirates.
Pardew was tight-lipped about whether Cabaye would stay or leave, but said he intends to protect the interests of the football club.
"The answer isn't as simple as a 'yes' or a 'no'," Pardew said.
"The answer is he is either going to be sold and we are going to have to replace him in the window that we have left, or he's going to stay.
"But I, as the manager, have to protect him and protect the football club, more importantly. The first thing on my agenda is the football club, trust me, and that will always come first while I am the manager here."