Newcastle United are stepping up their bid for Montpellier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
The Daily Mail says Newcastle are weighing up a move for Yanga-Mbiwa in January due to concerns over Fabricio Coloccini's future.
The Argentine, 29, is still to agree a new contract amid interest from other Premier League clubs.
Yanga-Mbiwa, 22, can play right-back and centre-back.