Newcastle United are making a £4 million move for Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop.

The Senegal international has scored nine times in 82 appearances since his arrival at Craven Cottage two years ago and is seen by Big Sam as the perfect man for a holding role in front of his back four.

Diop, 29, almost departed during the January transfer window when Fulham accepted a £5m approach from Wigan - but chose to stay.