Newcastle United are working the French transfer market this month.

While Toon boss Rafa Benitez is pessimistic about any new additions arriving in January, French sources are adamant Newcastle are active in the Ligue 1 market.

Strasbourg wing-back Kenny Lala and Dijon defender Valentin Rosier are both under consideration at Newcastle.

Lala has been impressive for Strasbourg this season and is also interesting St Etienne.

France U21 defender Rosier, meanwhile, is viewed as an alternative to Lala by the Premier League club.