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The Magpies face stiff competition to land the 28-year-old right-back, with Arsenal, Southampton and a whole host of La Liga clubs thought to be monitoring his progress.

The Frenchman, who qualifies for both Guinea and Senegal, is expected to be made available in the summer, with a fee of around £13.6 million mentioned.

Atletico Madrid are understood to be leading the race for the player.

Nimes' French forward Renaud Ripart (R) vies with Marseille's Guinean midfielder Bouna Sarr (L) during the French L1 football match Nimes vs Olympique de Marseille, on February 28, 2020 at the Costieres stadium in Nimes. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, a surprise link to a Premier League defender has emerged over the last 24 hours.

Steve Bruce is reportedly keen to snap up Sheffield United defender Chris Basham, on a free transfer.

Basham is a former Newcastle academy player. Hailing from Hebburn, he has publicly spoken previously about being a former Sunderland season ticket holder.

Newcastle United takeover and transfer news: Ligue 1 defender linked with Magpies switch as surprise Premier League link emerges