Chelsea and Newcastle United are among clubs keeping tabs on Fred's situation at Olympique Lyon.

The Brazil international has admitted he may seek a move away in January after failing to nail down regular first team football this season in the wake of Karim Benzema's emergence.

"I asked the club to show confidence in me, but so far this has not happened. I wish to honour my contract until 2009, but I can not continue like this," said Fred.

The striker is close to Newcastle defender Claudio Cacapa and could arrive on Tyneside as cover for Obafemi Martins and crocked England striker Michael Owen.

Chelsea and Middlesbrough are also monitoring developments.