Newcastle are reported to be one of a number of teams tracking highly-rated St Etienne strike Bafetimbi Gomis.

The striker was keen to secure a move away from Les Verts last summer, but was eventually persuaded to stay.

However, after another impressive season which has brought 14 goals in 31 appearances he is keen to secure a move to a bigger club.

At just 22-years-old his potential has attracted interest from a host of teams across Europe, with scouts consistently descending on the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard to get a look at the "new Drogba".

Ligue 1 giants Marseille and Spanish outfit Sevilla are believed to have had Gomis watched on several occasions, while Arsenal scout Gilles Grimandi is a regular visitor to St Etienne.

However, despite the interest from elsewhere, it is understood that Newcastle are preparing to make the first move by testing the French club's resistance with an offer of around 18million euros (£14million).

TEAMtalk / Eurosport