Newcastle have made a fresh move in their bid to capture Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy.
Press Association Sport understands the Magpies have stepped up their protracted pursuit of the 27-year-old defender, having so far not managed to persuade the French club to part with him.
Manager Alan Pardew had made the right-back one of his main targets this summer and will hope the latest offer will trigger a positive response.
Debuchy, an international team-mate of Yohan Cabaye, has indicated his desire to follow the midfielder to Newcastle, but having seen Cabaye's value increase significantly since his £4.8million switch last summer, Lille are holding out for their valuation.
Reports in France have suggested they want eight million euros - around £6.3million - a figure way in excess of the Magpies' initial offer.
Pardew has been waiting patiently for a breakthrough with one of his major targets - FC Twente defender Douglas and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll are among those about whom enquiries have been made - while at the same time bolstering his development squad with the acquisitions of Roman Amalfitano, Gael Bigirimana and Curtis Good.
However, with the start of the new season fast-approaching and the challenge of Europa League football to be added into the mix, further strengthening to the senior set-up is also required.
Source: PA
