NEWCASTLE UNITED'S pre-season sprang to life yesterday when two of their biggest stars pledged their futures to the club - and one signing target revealed he could be on his way to St James' Park.

Scoring sensation Papiss Cissé insisted he wanted to remain on Tyneside for “many years” despite being linked with a big-money move away from Tyneside after scoring 13 goals in 14 Premier League games.

French midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye, who is set to face England next Monday in the European Championships, has also reiterated his desire to stay, which will reassure United supporters who are desperate to see their team build on last season’s fifth-place finish.

And FC Twente defender Douglas, a long-time target of Alan Pardew, admitted he would consider a move to Newcastle.

Fans’ hero Cissé has been nothing short of a revelation since his £9m move from SC Freiburg in Germany. Newcastle fans fear the 27-year-old being lured away, particularly if the club was offered a transfer fee in the Andy Carroll territory – with Manchester United believed to be monitoring the situation.

But Cisse said: “I am very happy in Newcastle and I want to stay there for many years.

“We were close to a Champions League position so next season, hopefully, we will qualify for that and everyone will taste the Champions League. I am looking forward to next season.

“I’m going to go on holiday and come back stronger because I know that another big season lies ahead.”