Newcastle United and Southampton are believed to be leading the chase to sign Anderlecht centre-back Cheikhou Kouyate.
The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Arsenal, but Arsene Wenger is now thought to be looking elsewhere.
However, talkSPORT reports that a move to the Premier League could still be on the cards for the Senegal international, with the Magpies and the Saints looking to bolster their defensive options.
Kouyate, who has five caps for his country, can also play as a defensive midfielder.
