Olympique Lyon are ready to sell fullback Aly Cissokho to a Premier League club in January.
Chelsea were linked with the France international in Sunday's national press.
And it's been revealed in the Northeast that Cissokho and Birmingham's Curtis Davies were both offered to Newcastle United last week.
United wanted Cissokho in the summer, but would not pay Lyon's asking price and much will depend on whether a package can be put together that appeals, says the Sunday Sun.