Newcastle are trailing Cameroon international midfielder Achille Emana as manager Kevin Keegan prepares to start his summer recruitment drive.

The 25-year-old is contracted to Toulouse until 2011, but is said to be looking for a new challenge after a disappointing league campaign which saw his side finish 17th a year after qualifying for the Champions League.

It is understood the Magpies have opened initial talks with the player as they consider a possible move and his advisor, Sebastien Thiery, has indicated that St James' Park is a destination he would seriously consider.

Thiery said: "Achille is ready to play in the Premier League and Newcastle is a team he would relish playing for.

"He is strong and is a box-to-box midfielder who also possesses a lot of pace.

"He has the right number of caps and the right amount of experience at 25 not to be overawed by the Premier League, which would be an exciting challenge."

Emana, a product of the Valencia youth system, is looking to either England or Spain for the next step in his career, and Seville, Real Betis and West Ham are understood to be potential competitors for his signature.