Jamal Lewis linked with shock move as club make Newcastle defender their new top target

According to some surprise reports emerging from France, OGC Nice are showing serious interest in Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis.

This comes from L’Equipe, who report that the Ligue 1 side have identified the 24-year-old as their ‘new priority’ as we approach the final week of the transfer window.

Current coach Lucien Favre - who was previously linked with the job on Tyneside - is said to be unconvinced by current first-choice left-back Melvin Bard, and he's reportedly turned his attention to the Northern Ireland international.

The former Norwich star was expected to feature heavily over pre-season after recovering from groin surgery, however a new injury setback meant he failed to feature in of our SEVEN friendlies.

Eddie Howe has talked up his potential, recently describing him as an "incredible athlete" who would get his chance should he stay fit, however a loan move - if not a permanent - may be something we consider if we feel it's what he needs after so long on the sidelines.

Here's a reminder of what Howe said about our forgotten man last monnth:

“Jamal, we hope, can stay fit and show us what he’s capable of.

“I believe in him as a player but he’s just had really bad luck.

“He’s got a lot to offer physically, we’ve certainly seen that in pre-season – an incredible athlete.

“He needs consistency of training at the moment that he needs, and hopefully he can get that.”