French defender linked

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could turn to Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa as he looks to strengthen his back four.

The 23-year-old caught the eye of the big clubs last season as he guided Montpellier to the French title and the Magpies along with Arsenal and Chelsea are being heavily linked with a move for the player. Montpellier will struggle to keep hold as he only has 12 months left on his contract and they do not want to risk losing him for nothing next year. They would be willing to cash in before Friday's deadline but it would take a fee of £7million to secure a deal for the French international, who can play at full-back as well as in central defence. All three clubs had scouts present as Montpellier lost 1-0 to Marseille on Sunday and a bid could be imminent. Pardew is in the hunt for a new central defender and could move for Yanga-Mbiwa, as his attempts to land Douglas from FC Twente continue to stall.