Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a transfer move to sign Seko Fofana.

The Lowdown: Fofana breakthrough

Fofana is having somewhat of a breakthrough season at Lens, winning Ligue 1's Player of the Month Award (POTM) in September, ahead of star names like PSG trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Given his six-foot-one stature, the fact that he plays for Ivory Coast at international level and the position that he plays in, the central midfield player has drawn comparisons to Manchester City and Premier League legend Yaya Toure, who of course won the league three times during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

If Fofana ends up moving to St. James' Park, he will be hoping to emulate one of the league's and his country's best ever players.

The Latest: Fofana eyed

As per Foot Mercato, the North East club 'continue to observe his performances', along with Marseille, AC Milan and Atalanta.

However, Lens do not need money at this moment in time, and 'should politely refuse' any offers that come in for him in the January transfer window, unless 'huge' cash is brought onto the table.

The Verdict: Get him in

Eddie Howe needs players that will work tirelessly for him on the pitch in order for the Tyneside outfit to escape relegation from the top flight down to the Championship.

Fofana is exactly that type of player, given that he has run the fourth-most kilometres out of any player in Ligue 1 so far this season, racking up 143.5km in 13 games (Foot Mercato), which averages out at over 11km per match.

Having been sold by Man City's Academy earlier on his career, he will also have a point to prove in England, and will no doubt be hungry for success.

Nonetheless, he would certainly be an upgrade on the Magpies' current options in the middle of the park, scoring more goals and averaging more shots, key passes and dribbles per game than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

In other news, find out which 'top professional' Magpies have made a proposal for here!