Newcastle United could look to sign Seko Fofana next summer if Lens don't fulfil his ambitions, according to journalist Robin Bairner.
Lens currently sit in second place in Ligue 1, which could persuade Fofana to stay, but any second half drop-off from the club may see the midfielder exit the club.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
How can Lens keep Fofana at the club?
After a seventh-place finish in 2021-22, Lens have had an impressive first half of the season, where they sit only five points behind champions PSG having only lost one game.
Only PSG have conceded fewer goals than Franck Haise's side and they are looking to secure a top-three finish to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Part of the club's success has been captain Fofana, who was an ever-present last season and won the league's Prix Marc-Vivien Foé award, which is given to Ligue 1's best African player.
His performances have alerted clubs across Europe, so Lens may need European football to stop their captain from leaving the club this summer.
What does Robin Bairner say about a possible move for Fofana?
Bairner believes that if Lens don't make it into the Champions League this season than Fofana could look to exit next summer.
The Ligue 1 journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "If Lens make the Champions League this year, for example, you could see a player like Seko Fofana staying there, simply because of this bond that they've got.
"If they don't make the top three, then again, potentially next summer, this could be a move that happens. Fofana is a player who has all the attributes to play in England, and Newcastle would surely be interested.
"But I imagine he is a player that most teams in England would be interested in, given what he's produced. But again, it's a case of whether Lens can keep up with his ambitions."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Who could Fofana sign for next summer?
Fofana's all-action style means he's well-suited to English football and the Ivorian began his career at Manchester City. The 27-year-old failed to make a single appearance for City, but did spend a season on loan in the Championship at Fulham in 2014/15.
The midfielder could now make a return to the Premier League, with a number of clubs monitoring Fofana's situation, with Fabrizio Romano telling Caught Offside that Arsenal and Liverpool are targeting Fofana and a £35million price tag has been placed on his head.
Newcastle are another club that could look at bringing Fofana in, and could be the ideal partner for Bruno Guimaraes in the Magpies' midfielder.
Fofana signed a new contract with Lens in September, which was announced after the their home win over Lorient in front of the crowd who chanted their captain's name in celebration of his new deal.
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here