Newcastle United are on red alert for Belgium international Jason Denayer.
Denayer’s current contract at Lyon expires at the end of the current season and no new deal has yet been reached, meaning the Ligue 1 club could lose him for nothing in the summer.
The Magpies struggled to sign their two top centre back targets in January but did manage to secure Dan Burn from Brighton, while Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett - the latter on loan - were acquired at both right-back and left-back, respectively.
The club's new owners are determined to sign a top-level defender ahead of next season and with top January target Sven Botman seemingly set for AC Milan, former Manchester City youth product Denayer has emerged as one of the club's preferred candidates.
According to RMC Sport, Lyon are failing to reach an agreement with the 26-year-old to stay in Ligue 1 beyond this season, with OL increasingly believing Denayer is seeking a new challenge.
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And the Magpies are ready to swoop and show that it won't only be about splashing big transfer fees as they look to shake up the Premier League order next term.
Since moving to Lyon from Man City on a four-year-deal in 2018, Denayer has made 127 appearances in all competitions, scoring six times.
He has established himself as one of the best defenders in Ligue 1, while also becoming a mainstay in his national team’s backline, replacing Vincent Kompany at the heart of defence
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad recently reported that the Toon had already began their pursuit for the defender, who featured 24 times in the Premier League whilst on loan at Sunderland during the 2016-17 season and having failed to land Botman, Denayer has moved up Newcastle's defensive shortlist.
A move to Tyneside with Eddie Howe's men would see Denayer link back up with January addition Bruno Guimaraes.
