Newcastle United 'rival' Leeds and Southampton for £8.5m deal, Toon labelled as 'perfect' move for Aston Villa star

Perraud, 23, will leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer with the Premier League touted as his most likely destination.

And as per reports in France, Steve Bruce’s side are keeping tabs on his situation, as are Leeds United and Southampton.

His transfer fee is expected to exceed around the £8.5million mark.

However, it is suggested that Ralph Hasenhutl’s Saints are favourites to sign him and that “the operation should be completed in the coming days”.

Last season, Perraud chipped in with an impressive seven assists and three goals from defence.

Ross Barkley tipped for Newcastle move

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes a move to Newcastle for Ross Barkley could be a match made in heaven.

The 27-year-old will return to Chelsea this summer after his up and down season-long loan with Dean Smith’s Villa.

Having initially provided two goals and one assist in his opening six Premier League outings, a hamstring injury at the end of January saw Barkley registered just one further strike.

The former Everton man is likely to depart Stamford Bridge either on loan or permanently next season – and Agbonlahor believes St James’s Park could be the perfect destination.

He told Football Insider: "I think it would be a good fit. Steve Bruce would get the best out of him.

"Ross Barkley needs to go somewhere now, he’s at a crossroads in his career, he’s 28.

"He needs to go somewhere and have a really good season, not just a few months like he did at Villa.

"It could be the perfect move for him to go play week in, week out.”

Toon again credited with Jack Hendry interest

Newcastle have again been credited with interest in Scotland international defender Jack Hendry.

As per 90min, the 26-year-old is set to join Belgian side Oostende permanently from Celtic after his £2million purchase clause was activated on the back of his hugely successful loan spell.

However, Oostende have reportedly promised Hendry that he will be sold for a quick gain with Newcastle, Leeds, Burnley, West Brom and Sheffield United keen, as well as teams in Germany and the Netherlands.

The sale of Hendry is expected to fetch around £10million – handing Oostende a tidy £8m profit.

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