Newcastle United and Sunderland are reportedly competing for the signature of Marseille defender Rod Fanni.
The 30-year-old right-back is believed to be surplus to requirements at the Stade Velodrome this summer following the appointment of new manager Elie Baup.
Fanni is desperate to join a Premier League club and, after Wigan Athletic ended their interest in him, a move to the North-East is now on the cards, according to The Metro.
Fanni is under contract at Marseille until June 2013.