Newcastle United are moving for Toulouse defender Christopher Jullien.

L'Equipe says Newcastle have opened talks with Toulouse about a price for Jullien.

Driving the deal is Toon boss Rafa Benitez, who has held phone conferences with TFC officials on multiple occasions over the past week.

Jullien, 25, has a deal with TFC until 2021, but could be on the move before the Premier League's transfer deadline on Thursday.

TFC will demand top price for Jullien, having already lost Issa Diop this summer to West Ham.