Newcastle United eye £10m-rated Ligue 1 star to strengthen their defence

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for France youth international Samuel Umtiti, according to The Sun.

The Premier League outfit; who currently sit level on points with 17th placed Norwich City (24), but still in the division’s bottom three on goal difference, are hopeful of bringing in the Lyon defender should the club stay in the English top-flight beyond the 2015/16 campaign.

The 22-year-old, who is a France Under-21 international, has scored one goal in 28 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 outfit so far this season.

Umtiti; who came through the French club’s youth ranks, is set to quite Lyon this summer and is rated at around £10m, according to the report.

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren is keen on strengthening his defensive ranks at St James’ Park following their inability to keep clean sheets this term, with Magpies owner Mike Ashley ready to splash the cash this summer.