Lille centre-back Aurelien Chedjou has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Newcastle United as "paper talk".

However, the 27-year-old welcomed the speculation, as he believes that this is a sign of his good form in Ligue 1.

Chedjou has been linked with a £12m move to the Magpies, and said that a switch St James' Park would appeal to him.

"Newcastle have shopped in France before and with the likes of [Yohan] Cabaye and [Mathieu] Debuchy there already, so I will be in a good environment," The Express quotes the Cameroonian as saying.

"But there is nothing official with Newcastle just yet. It's all paper talk.

"I am delighted when teams are being linked with me because it means that I am doing well. My agent is working with the clubs interested in me, but I am relaxed about the situation."

Newcastle signed five players from Ligue 1 during the January transfer window.