Montpellier and Rennes youngsters on Newcastle radar

Even though the transfer window has just closed but it seems that Newcastle are already planning ahead and have scouted Stade Rennes striker Paul-Georges Ntep and Montpellier midfielder Morgan Sanson.

Chief scout Graham Carr was spotted at Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, Auxerre watching the Euro U-21 qualifier between France and Iceland.

Ntep, 22, was a reported target for Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers in January but eventually joined Rennes from Auxerre. The Cameroon born forward has been a target of the Magpies for a year but the club refused to match his fee back in January.

Since joining The Red and Blacks the striker has been on fire and has scored seven goals in 17 league games including a brace against Evian TG in a 6-2 victory in August.

Sanson,20, joined Montpellier at the beginning of last season and can play as an attacking as well as a defensive midfielder. The former Le Mans man is an excellent tackler and a superb passer. So far he has played 35 times for the ligue 1 club scoring twice and assisting in three goals.

It remains to be seen if the club from the North-East do make a move for any or both the players who seem to fit the transfer policy at St. James’ park.