Former PSG and Manchester City men on Newcastle United radar

Newcastle United’s ongoing pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos dominated the headlines across the media on Wednesday morning.

Several outlets at home and abroad have suggested a deal to sign the Brazilian centre-back is edging ever closer as the Magpies look to complete the signing in time for Saturday’s visit to Leeds United.

Sky Sports reported Carlos has submitted an official transfer request over the last 24 hours and is keen to force through a move to Tyneside.

One key indicator of how far along the move is will come on Wednesday night if Carlos is missing when Sevilla travel to La Liga rivals Valencia.

Former PSG defender linked

One new name that has been thrown up over the last 24 hours is Dutch left-back Mitchell Bakker.

The 21-year-old defender joined Bayer Leverkusen from PSG for a fee of around £5.5million during the summer - but the Bundesliga club are prepared to make a quick profit with The Mail speculating it would take considerably more than the £8.5million they paid, to take him to St James’ Park.

Former Manchester City and Italy striker an unlikely target?

The Mail have also thrown the unlikely name of Mario Balotelli into the mix and have suggested the Magpies are prepared to trigger a release clause to sign the former Manchester City and Liverpool striker.

Move for former favourite rebuffed

Newcastle have seen two approaches for former midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum rejected by both the Dutch international and his club PSG according to Football 365.

That report is backed up by Foot Mercato, who have stated the Dutch star was the subject of a second proposal from his former club, but that was rejected by the Ligue 1 giants.

Magpies seek Saint-Maximin advice on possible signing

L’Equipe have stated the Magpies hierarchy have sounded out Magpies winger Allan Saint-Maximin for his opinion on Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.

The duo played together with Nice and United are said to be prepared to rekindle their interest in Plea after he was on their radar during Rafa Benitez’s reign at St James’ Park.

The same outlet have linked Newcastle with RC Lens forward Ignatius Ganago, who is currently featuring at the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

The former Nice forward has three goals in 13 appearances for Lens this season.

Eriksen an option?

The Times have reported Newcastle are one of three clubs willing to offer Danish international Christian Eriksen a return to the Premier League.

Leicester City and Brentford are also looking to offer a six-month deal to the former Spurs and Inter midfielder.