Alan Pardew Targets Second French Defender - Report

Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. French newspaper Le 10 Sport believes a £6.7m fee has been agreed between the clubs and the player will sign a deal worth £3m per year.

The French defender has been quoted as saying he eventually wants to play for Italian side AC Milan (who have had a bid rejected) and that a move to Newcastle would also not be unwelcome. The 23-year-old is the captain of the French champions and a key player for the side. He is in talks over a new contract at his present club and has not ruled out that option either.

Yanga-Mbiwa's transfer to Newcastle may depend on the future of Argentine centre-back Fabricio Coloccini. The 30-year-old Magpies' captain has admitted he wants to return to his home country and San Lorenzo have admitted they are interested in his services. However, Newcastle are reluctant to release their skipper and one of their most influential players and are negotiating with Coloccini.

Should Coloccini leave, that will mean Pardew has a serious lack of senior options in the centre of his defense and Yanga-Mbiwa could be just the man to fill the gap.

The Frenchman has also been linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United.

Pardew Gives Update on Duo's Future

Meanwhile, the Magpies boss has rubbished rumours of goalkeeper Tim Krul and defender Davide Santon leaving the club. Krul, a Dutch international, and Santon, who transferred from Inter Milan, have been linked by the Mirror with a move to the red and black half of Milan.

"No, I'm not fielding calls on that because I'm not contemplating anyone going out. I've not even given it the slightest thought. Even if we got an extraordinary offer, the answer would be no. There is no point ringing us. I'm confident I have an aggressive board," Pardew said.