Newcastle United have opened talks over a move for Arnaud Lusamba, according to the Northern Echo.
The midfielder will be available this summer after his current club Nice opted not to offer him a new contract to stay with the Ligue 1 side.
The 23-year-old is also attracting the interest of Leicester City and Crystal Palace, however it's claimed that the Tynesiders are currently leading the race for his signature.
Lusamba moved to Nice in 2016 where he has made 31 appearances for the club, with this beinf due to spending a season on loan with Belgian top flight side Cercle Brugge.
A central midfielder by trade, the French star could be being targeted as a potential replacement for Matty Longstaff.
The midfielder is yet to sign a new deal with Newcastle United, and with his contract set to expire on June 30, it seems likely that he could be moving on.
Whether Arnaud Lusamba is the man to potentially fill those boots, however, remains to be seen.
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
A move for Arnaud Lusamba could be interesting for Newcastle United.
It remains to be seen whether this is just paper talk, or if the interest is genuine.
That said, a move to replace Matty Longstaff could now be a priority.
He looks almost certain to move on this summer, and despite his youth, he's already established himself as a big part of the club's plans.
If he does move on then it's crucial that the club move to replace him, and Lusamba could be the man to do that.