By Gabrielle Amado

At several points in the UEFA EURO 2016 Final, France's Moussa Sissoko looked like a footballer determined to win the game by himself if need be. Especially in the first half when Les Bleus looked lethargic overall, Sissoko distinguished himself by making dynamic and direct runs deep into enemy territory and unleashing shots that came close to putting the host nation out in front. 

While it was not to be for the French, the result did little to dampen the standout performance by Sissoko, converting him into the latest hot ticket item on the transfer market.

Amongst a lineup of starlets such as Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, Sissoko was the stand out star for many during the host’s shock loss to Portugal. At 26 years old, the Newcastle midfielder sliced through the Portuguese midfield with ease, towering past his counterparts seemingly untouched. He is as aggressive as he is offensive minded, creating some of France's best opportunities and being one of Portuguese defense's biggest headaches. 

Reports suggest he has attracted attention from all over Europe, from Premier League giants Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham to La Liga side Real Madrid. With Europe’s finest calling, it will be seemingly impossible for the newest member of Championship, Newcastle United, to hold on to this midfielder on the rise.

As we have seen time and time again, major competitions such as the Euro 2016 have a tendency to inflate the transfer market. It has been speculated that Sissoko, after his impressive tournament, has been handed a £35 million price tag. 

After a rather average season and indeed a slightly more successful European tournament, with the exception of his fantastic final, many saw the £35 million price tag as a Newcastle effort to fend off interest from other clubs. But boss Rafa Benitez both refuted and simultaneously fueled this report, saying no such price exists but very blatantly begging the Frenchmen to stay.

“People are talking about ‘this price’ or this price’- but we don’t want to sell, so we haven’t put any price [on him] and we are pleased, we are happy with him.

“I appreciate him too much to think that we will miss him, so we know he has done really well and a lot of people will be talking about him. We’d like to see him here and that’s it.”

Moussa Sissoko may be the latest player to enjoy the ‘Euro Effect’ but he certainly won’t be the last. Rafa Benitez can plead and plead but after an impressive international tournament, when a top flight side calls, very few are going to hit ignore.