Papiss Cisse's two wonder goals against Chelsea have ensured his star continues to rise in the football world. With an incredible 13 goals in 12 games since arriving at Newcastle in January, heads will be beginning to turn as the big clubs hover above St James' Park waiting to snatch the Toon talent, while former chairman Freddy Shepherd claimed the club face a fight to keep him. With two games left of the current Premier League season, talkSPORT take a look at some potential destinations for the striker and ask: can the Toon hold on to Papiss Cisse?
CHELSEA
Cisse may have buried Chelsea's hopes of a fourth place finish this year, but in tearing apart the Blues, the Newcastle man may well have worked himself into owner Roman Abramovich's transfer list. With Drogba on the way out, Chelsea need a new striker, and Cisse's ability to shoot from distance makes him a different prospect to Fernando Torres. Most importantly, Chelsea also have the money necessary to buy a player so early in his contract.
Verdict: Chelsea have a reputation for shock transfers like that of Torres, so a move for Cisse wouldn't be a surprise. Signing Cisse might be the only way to stop him scoring against them if he really does score when he wants!
Likelihood: 5/10
MAN UNITED
Like Chelsea, Man United are likely to see a few of their own strikers departing this season, with Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov top of the exit list. Cisse's mobility could be deadly when partnered with Wayne Rooney and his ability to produce moments of magic would take some of the expectation off Rooney's shoulders. Rooney himself has already admitted his admiration for the Newcastle man, tweeting that his second strike against Chelsea was “the goal of the season”. With United's reluctance to spend big money in the transfer window, however, it's unlikely the Reds could afford to convince Newcastle to release their prized asset.
Verdict: From a tactical perspective, Cisse at Manchester United makes perfect sense. The fact remains that United don't easily spend vast sums of money under the Glazers and are unlikely to offer enough to convince Newcastle to sell their best player after only half a season.
Likelihood: 3/10
MAN CITY
Come the end of the season City will either be title winners or runners up, and with a future so bright, the Citizens could attract Cisse with the prospect of silverware. Better still, unlike their neighbours, they can afford him. With Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli all tipped to leave in the summer, the Newcastle man would have a place in the team at the Etihad, though he could be put off by the experience Dzeko has had. The City striker was highly-rated at Wolfsburg, but since arriving at City in 2011 his career has stalled.
Verdict: Man City are in the market for the best and with Cisse the talk of the Toon, he would be a high-profile acquisition for the Citizens. Like we said, though, the Senegal striker will be wary after what's happened to Edin Dzeko.
Likelihood: 4/10
NEWCASTLE
Having only arrived in January and already looking like a Magpies legend in the making, staying at Newcastle would make perfect sense for Cisse and should he guide Newcastle to a Champions League spot, Cisse could have the Newcastle team built around him for years to come. Clearly flourishing under Alan Pardew, it would be risky for Cisse to test himself with another gaffer too soon, and the striker will be enjoying the faith invested in him by his manager. A year is a long time in football, but equally, half a season can feel short, and Cisse will surely feel he has more to give his current team.
Verdict: As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it and Cisse is playing in the perfect environment at Newcastle. Potential Champions League football could be the tip of the iceberg for the Senegalese at St James' Park and it would take something massive to move him so early in an already great spell at the club.
Likelihood: 8/10