Nice have emerged as favourites to land Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina.

The Daily Mail says Lemina has dashed Newcastle's hopes and is joining Nice in a £4.7million deal.

The Southampton midfielder flew to Nice to finalise his transfer on Thursday night after the French club agreed a fee including add-ons.

Newcastle had been hopeful of securing the Gabon international after reviving talks but Nice have convinced him of their project under Christophe Galtier and he is due to sign a three year deal.

He scored twice in 52 appearances in his first two seasons at the club but then spent the next pair of seasons out on loan at Galatasaray and then Fulham.

Lemina was one of Fulham's most impressive players last season despite their relegation back to the Championship.