Newcastle United are close to a deal for Ibrahima Sissoko from Strasbourg.

The Toon have met the Ligue 1 side's £13 million valuation for the six-foot-four midfield enforcer.

The Sun says the 21-year-old will now be allowed to discuss personal terms with Steve Bruce's side ahead of a January move.

The France under-21 prospect would deputise for the Longstaff brothers, Matty and Sean, who have cemented first team spots this season.

Bruce doesn't have much in the way of backup, though, and Sean Longstaff's red card versus Wolves exposed the team's frailties - in that he will miss three Premier League games with cover limited.