Newcastle United's search for a new defender could be taking them in the direction of Tiago Djalo.

The 23-year-old is a former Lille teammate of Sven Botman, who is a star for the Magpies.

Djalo is close to coming back to action from an ACL injury that he sustained in March.

Per Chronicle Live, Eddie Howe is an admirer of Djalo, as are Newcastle's recruitment team.

His age is seen as ideal, given the club has older defenders who need reinforcing.

Djalo is available for a cut price fee in January, as he will be a free agent in the summer.