Sebastien Bassong is set to be offered a bumper new contract by Newcastle United.

The Sun says the highly-rated French defender, 22, is one of the lowest-paid players at St James' Park after arriving as a virtual unknown in a £1.5million summer deal from Lens.

The Toon are keen to tie him down to a lucrative new long-term contract by offering to quadruple his £5,000-a-week deal.

They hope to head off interest from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has been alerted by the centre-back's impressive displays this season.