Newcastle United have signalled their intent to add quality to their squad in January by reportedly making contact with Montpellier HSC over the potential signing of Remy Cabella.

The Magpies only made one summer addition as Loic Remy arrived on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers, but director of football Joe Kinnear is expected to be more active in the New Year, with Cabella an apparent target.

The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Manchester United, who are in the market for a central midfielder, but the Evening Chronicle claims that there is also interest from St James' Park.

Montpellier are understood to have placed a £14m asking price on Cabella, who has scored 16 goals in 78 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, but Newcastle are optimistic that there is room for negotiation.

Alan Pardew has experience of recruiting from France, having signed 10 Les Bleus stars in the past three seasons.