Newcastle United and Wolves enter race for one of French’s football’s most promising young defenders

Newcastle United added youth to their full back positions during the summer transfer window and the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are both starting to garner first team experience.

In January, it is expected that Eddie Howe will apply the same approach in the centre back position, which is currently short on squad depth. As it stands, the Magpies have a typical starting duo of Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, which has recently been broken up due to the Dutchman’s injury - handing club captain Jamaal Lascelles a chance in the starting lineup.

Beyond the current starting pair, the Magpies only have Paul Dummett as back-up option, although Emil Krafth was forced to play out of position in the Carabao Cup against Manchester United. This lack of cover optimises the need for further centre back depth and reports from Football Insider claim Newcastle are looking for a young prodigy to add to the ranks in January.

The outlet understands that Le Havre defender Arouna Sangante has caught the eyes of the Newcastle scouts with a string of impressive performances.

Sangante is a 6ft2 Senegalese defender who is tipped to have a strong international future at just 21 years of age. He progressed through Le Havre’s academy system and guided the club to the Ligue 2 title last term in his first full season for the club.

The youngster’s performances earned him plaudits from the French media as the team progressed back into the top-flight with the best defensive record - conceding just 19 goals in 38 games.

Sangante was named in the Ligue 2 Team of the Season for his efforts and he does not look out of place in the top-flight either with the club flying high in seventh spot after 12 games.

Football Insider explains that the player is valued at around £20m and is under contract until 2026. He has attracted interest from the Magpies due to their defensive shortage, but Premier League rivals such as Fulham and Wolves are also keeping a close eye on the player.