Newcastle winger Florian Thauvin has been violently mugged in France.

According to reports, two men deliberately crashed their motorbikes into midfielder's car at 7pm on Monday evening in the southern city of Marseilles.

La Provence reports Thauvin, 23, was set upon by the thugs when he left his motor to inspect the damage.

It is understood that the star – who is on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille this season – was then strangled from behind by one of the men as the other attempted to mug him.

The report states that Thauvin was able to defend himself and fled to a nearby building for refuge.

But he is believed to have had valuables, including a £22,000 watch, stolen in the incident, reports The Sun.