Newcastle United are believed to be preparing a bid for Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew is looking to bolster his defensive options, amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of Danny Simpson.
Pardew has tracked Debuchy's progress all season and sent chief scout Graham Carr to compile a report on the player earlier this month.
According to Metro, the Tyneside club are reportedly ready to offer £5m for the right-back, who can also play as a creative midfielder.
While Newcastle are considered to be the favourites to land Debuchy, they could face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool for his signature.
