Last Updated: Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:24
Newcastle will battle with West Ham for the services of Toulouse defender Aymen Abdennour, according to reports in France.
Magpies officials have hinted they will return to France in the summer to make further new signings and Abdennour is the latest player to be linked with a switch to St James' Park.
The Tunisia international has been earning rave reviews in France this season which has brought him to the attention of a number of interested parties, including West Ham and Barcelona.
If the La Liga leaders follow up their interest then it is unlikely that any other club will get a look in - the Catalans have already sent scouts to watch him in action and see him as a long-term replacement for influential skipper Carles Puyol - but if they fail to make a move then it could be a straight battle between Newcastle and West Ham for his signature.
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