Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies eye French pair
NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to pull off a French double in this summer by completing deals for Toulouse pair Cheick M'Bengue and Franck Tabanou.[LNB] Manager Alan Pardew is also keen to add a couple of international- class strikers after heading on his own scouting trip to France.[LNB] With just two games remaining of the Premier League season, Pardew has stepped up his search to find suitable candidates to add to the Magpies' squad.[LNB] Sources across the English Channel suggest that youngsters M'Bengue and Tabanou are among those to have been targeted by Newcastle.[LNB] The Magpies are believed to have already discussed fees for the two players, with M'Benque last night encouraging Newcastle to step up their attempts to sign him.[LNB] The left-back, who could be a replacement for Jose Enrique if the Spaniard refuses to sign a new deal, said: It's pleasing. I have heard about it but the club have refused the offer.[LNB] At the moment I'm not too bothered, I have an agent to look after that and he looks after my interests very well.[LNB] We must see what happens.[LNB] As it stands I'm a Toulouse player and the decision doesn't come down to me alone.[LNB] I'm contracted until 2014 with Toulouse. If one day I must move it will be with the support of my club.[LNB] It could be that Newcastle would have to pay more than £10m for the two players, with M'Bengue and Tabanou both rated at around the £7m mark.[LNB] The latter is a left-midfielder, who can also play at fullback, and is under contract for a further two years.[LNB] But with Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and West Ham all credited with an interest, Pardew knows he must act fast.[LNB] Strikers are also a priority for Newcastle who have ruled out moves for Championship hot-shots Danny Graham and Jay Borthroyd.[LNB] Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro has been on Newcastle's radar for some time, although the prospect of his valuation continuing to rise could prevent Newcastle from landing him.[LNB] Tottenham have also watched Gameiro, with Newcastle and Sunderland known to have been keeping an eye on the £14m man's situation.[LNB] Pardew is keen to keep his options open and has a list of strikers to turn to if his first choice targets prove unattainable.[LNB] But, contrary to reports, it is understood that £5m-rated Graham and Bothroyd are no longer under consideration despite the fact both are available at the right price this summer and have been watched by the Magpies.[LNB] Newcastle are in need of additions before next season and the last 48 hours have further highlighted that need.[LNB] Both captain Kevin Nolan and goalkeeper Steve Harper will miss the final two games, against Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.[LNB] Nolan underwent ankle surgery yesterday in an attempt to ensure he will be fit to start the next campaign.[LNB] Nolan will be a miss to the midfield after scoring 12 times this season the first time he has hit double figures in a topflight campaign. His absence has increased the pressure on Pardew to field Cheik Tiote despite the player being just one more caution away from a three-match ban.[LNB] If Tiote is not risked then Alan Smith could make his comeback.[LNB] Harper, meanwhile, will have a knee operation today but is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season.[LNB]
