Mathieu Grégoire, of French news outlet Le Parisien, claims Newcastle United enquired about the availability of French winger Florian Thauvin.
Thauvin has been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside for over a year and, with Marseille in a difficult financial position, it is believed the 22-year-old could be allowed to leave the Stade Velodrome this summer.
Chairman of the Ligue 1 outfit, Vincent Labrune has confirmed Thauvin will be allowed to leave, but only if he receives an offer that he deems acceptable. He also revealed a number of clubs have made offers for the Frenchman.
“We have offers for several players,” Labrune told RMC. “If we have an offer that we like, we will open the door.
“We have never had as many offers for as many players as we do now. Thauvin, Imbula and Payet have a lot of offers.”
Newcastle were hoping they could sign Thauvin for just a fraction of Marseille’s £15million valuation, however the French side are unwilling to lower their asking price due the significant number of potential suitors queueing for his signature.
Steve McClaren has short-listed Hull City’s Tom Ince as a potential alternative, if the Board of Directors decide a move for Florian does not represent value for money.
