Reports in France suggest Lens have set their asking price for midfielder Seko Fofana - and the numbers quoted could well cool Newcastle United’s interest.

Fofana was one of a number of midfielders linked to the Magpies in the January transfer, prior to the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon.

Lens’ Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana (L) and Monaco’s Brazilian defender Caio Henrique Oliveira Silva fight for the ball during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and AS Monaco at Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, northern France on May 21, 2022.

Recently-relegated Burnley were also credited with an interest in the Ivorian enforcer.

However, Lens are not set to be willing sellers this summer, despite growing interest.

In recent weeks United have again been mentioned in dispatches when it comes to a move for the stand-out Ligue 1 star, but so too have current French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

And it seems amid that interest Fofana’s club now value the former Manchester City man around the £30-35million bracket.

While Eddie Howe’s Magpies have that kind of money in their arsenal, it is unlikely they will splash that amount of cash on a position that is not seen of priority when it comes to strengthening this summer.

Howe has a central defender and two forwards as well as potentially a goalkeeper in his sights before midfield again comes back into focus.

French club slap huge price tag on Newcastle United target amid Premier League interest