Newcastle could hijack deal for Ligue 1 defender dubbed the 'next Raphael Varane' - Report

According to reports in France, Newcastle United are showing late interest in highly-rated Lens defender Loic Bade.

This comes from Foot Mercato, who report that we have been tracking the 21-year-old following his outstanding first season with the Ligue 1 minnows.

After arriving from Le Havre last summer, the 6ft 3' centre-back has already been dubbed 'the new Raphael Varane' - a fellow French defender who also made a name for himself at RC Lens before going onto big things at Real Madrid.

Foot Mercato report that Rennes are currently in talks over a deal to sign Bade, however we are one of FOUR sides believed to be considering a late move, with ourselves, Brighton, Villarreal and AC Milan named as contenders.

He fits the bill in terms of age and potential - which may be key if Mike Ashley really is returning to his tedious old transfer policy - however I struggle to believe that we'll be hijacking Rennes' bid.

Stranger things have happened, but with the club currently distracted by a legal battle involving Mike Ashley and the Premier League, it feels like all transfer business has been put on hold for now.

Let's hope I'm wrong and we make a few early moves - especially when pre-season training looks set to resume next week!