Sassuolo defender Gian Marco Ferrari is a target for Premier League clubs.

The Sun says Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Ferrari but will have to beat newly-promoted Fulham to the defender's signature.

The Italian impressed this season on loan at Sampdoria from Sassuolo and is also wanted by Sevilla and Monaco, Sampdoria News reported.

Ferrari, 26, made 30 appearances on his loan spell in Serie A as Sampdoria beat AC Milan and Juventus on their way to a 10th-placed finish.

And he could prove a useful addition to Rafael Benitez's squad as the club look to sell Chancel Mbemba this summer.

The Congolese 23-year-old played just nine Premier League games this season, the last of which came in Toon's 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City in December.