Newcastle United's move for Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina has stalled.

Talks had been ongoing for the midfielder, who is out of contract next summer, with Southampton looking for around £4million, says the Daily Mail.

However, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is reluctant to pay a fee for players over 27 years old and Lemina turns 28 in September.

They were willing to discuss a player swap but Southampton have no interest in players that have been proposed in negotiations so far.

Lemina impressed last season while on loan at Fulham and had emerged as Newcastle's No 1 target for their midfield as Arsenal have still to make a decision on Joe Willock.