Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly in talks with French outfit Marseille in a bid to sign their captain Habib Beye.
The Chronicle claims Allardyce is confident of convincing the Paris-born player to swap France for Tyneside as hopes of an audacious swoop for Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze fade.
Senegal international right-back Beye played against United in the 2004 UEFA Cup semi-final.
Newcastle have already added versatile Cameroon international Geremi to their squad as well as Czech centre-back David Rozehnal, but bolstering the Magpies' fragile defence remains Allardyce's primary goal.
United are expected to complete the signing of World Cup winner Edmilson in the January transfer window, while Barcelona have apparently offered Newcastle the chance to sign Portuguese schemer Deco.
However, these deals will take a back seat while Allardyce focuses on more pressing concerns at the other end of the pitch.