St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi has welcomed Premier League interest.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with the France international in recent months, but Newcastle look set to push ahead with a move for the 24-year-old.
"I am flattered by the interest from clubs abroad, and I have always loved the Premier League," he said.
"It is the best league in the world, so exciting, and I really want to be part of that one day, however St Etienne has its say about that."
On Newcastle specifically he added: "They are one of the big clubs in England but, like I said, it is all rumours at the moment, but you never know."
