Newcastle United's French contingent could convince Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga about a move to St James' Park in January.

L'Equipe has carried several glowing reports on the way the French legion have settled in while Yohan Cabaye's fine start has not gone unnoticed. The successful rehabilitation of Hatem Ben Arfa has also won them credit.

United certainly remain convinced that the market is one of the best to dip into and they continue to scout extensively in Ligue 1, says the Sunday Sun.

The club will have a scouting presence at France's crunch Euro 2012 qualifier with Albania.