Newcastle United are moving to trump Chelsea for St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma.

The Mirror says the Blues have been trying to close a deal for the 19-year-old centre back and are confident they will land him at the end of the season.

But the Toon hope the fact they can offer a better chance of first team football - and also have a host of French speakers at the club - could give them the upper hand.

Zouma has represented France at every level up to under-21 level and Arsenal have also been monitoring his progress in Ligue 1.