Newcastle eyeing up summer move for Eibar centre-back Florian Lejeune

Championship title-winners Newcastle United are lining up a summer move for former Manchester City defender Florian Lejeune, according to The Northern Echo.

The 26-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium back in 2015 after a fine season at Spanish side Girona, yet was immediately loaned back to the second tier outfit for the 2015/16 campaign, before signing for La Liga side Eibar on a permanent deal last summer.

And the Frenchman started 33 of their 38 league games this term to help the club finish tenth in the Spanish top-flight, and he has since been linked with a move back to England, with Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly holding an interest.

However, recent reports suggest that Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle are also in the running for the 26-year-old’d signature, as they look to build a squad capable of staying up and competing in the Premier League next season.

The Magpies sealed an immediate return to the top-flight by winning the Championship title this term, beating Chris Hughton’s Brighton to top spot on the final day after beating Barnsley 3-0 at St James’ Park, coupled with the Seagulls’ 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.

And although Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark struck up a formidable partnership at the heart of the Newcastle defence last term, it remains to be seen whether they are up to the challenge of the top-flight, and bringing in another solid and accomplished centre-back to compete with them can only be good for all parties.

It has been reported that Lejeune has an £8.7 million release clause in his contract, yet whether Benitez looks to meet that over the coming weeks and months remains to be seen.