Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse has reportedly agreed to wear the Premier League club’s Wonga logo on his shirt despite previously objecting due to his religious views.
Cisse pulled out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Portugal after telling the club he was not prepared to promote the money-lending company, who have replaced Virgin Money - also a money-lending company - as the Magpies’ sponsor for the forthcoming season, because it conflicted with his Muslim beliefs.
However, after several weeks of negotiations, the Senegal international has been persuaded to return to the fold, according to reports on Thursday.
Newcastle are yet to confirm the development, but sources close to the 28-year-old are said to expect him to resume training with his team-mates on Friday.
Cisse’s return would be a major boost to Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who has been unable to sign any new strikers despite making that his top priority at the end of last season.
Cisse arrived at St James’ Park in a US$13.8 million switch from German side Freiburg in January last year and was an instant hit as he scored 13 goals in his first 14 appearances.