Newcastle United chase French star

Newcastle United are reportedly tracking Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy as a replacement for the outgoing Danny Simpson.

The France international has also been attracting interest from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

Debuchy was named in Ligue 1's Team of the Year on Monday night after another fine season in Ligue 1.

According to the Daily Mail, Alan Pardew rates the 26-year-old as a like-for-like replacement for Simpson, whose future at the Sports Direct Arena is in doubt after rejecting a new £25,000-per-week deal.