Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target agrees contract extension

Newcastle United transfer target Seko Fofana has ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal with RC Lens.

The former Manchester City and Udinese midfielder has been watched by Magpies representatives on a number of occasions over the last eight months.

There had been speculation of a move for the Ivory Coast star during the January transfer window and that arose once again following the end of the season.

Newcastle were far from the only club to watch the Lens captain with the likes of Arsenal and West Ham United also said to be considering a move.

Their hopes of landing the powerful midfielder seemed to have received a boost when he suggested he could leave the Ligue 1 club before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

However, those hopes are now over after Lens confirmed Fofana had put pen-to-paper on a two-year extension to his current contract at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Lens general manager Arnaud Pouille told the club website: “The extension of Seko, our captain, is a strong marker of the stability of Racing (Club Lens).

“Since his arrival, by his total commitment on and off the field, Seko has embodied the club’s project and more than that, its values.

“We look forward to the continuation of our common history.

“At home, “Captain Seko” has permanently conquered the hearts of fans, it is also an inspiring model of professionalism for all young players every day in training.

“I would like to salute his consistency and maturity, as well as the quality of his entourage because this extension materializes cordial and virtuous exchanges.”

Newcastle are hoping to add at least one new face to their squad before the transfer window closes later tonight and have been linked with moves for the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Leander Dendoncker and Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.