Report: Aurelien Chedjou on Newcastle United radar

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew will reportedly return to the French market to pursue Lille defender Aurelien Chedjou this summer.

The Magpies recruited five players in January, Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haidara, Yoan Gouffran and Moussa Sissoko, all from Ligue 1.

However, with club captain Fabricio Coloccini likely to leave at the end of the season, Pardew will be seeking a replacement and may venture back into the French market.

Chediou has impressed for Lille this season and has been identified as a Newcastle transfer target, according to The Mirror, who also credits Spanish giants Valencia with an interest.

The 27-year-old Cameroonian would apparently cost around £12m.