Newcastle United and Southampton are chasing French midfielder William Vainqueur.

The Sun says Newcastle United chief Alan Pardew and Southampton boss Nigel Adkins are chasing the £2.5million-rated Standard Liege ball winner, 24, who is under contract until 2016.

He has fallen out with Liege coach Mircea Rednic. He said: "I've told Vainqueur he needs to take more responsibility."

Vainqueur's surname means Conqueror - or Winner. The original William the Conqueror became King of England after winning the Battle of Hastings in 1066.