Newcastle United are reportedly now 'interested' in signing Yves Bissouma in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: High praise for Bissouma

Bissouma has previously been lauded as one of the best central midfield players in the Premier League, as Gary Lineker has dubbed him as 'exceptional', while Ray Parlour believes that he has 'got everything'.

Aside from his manager Graham Potter, who has noted how 'fast and strong' he is in the middle of the park, Leicester City and FA Cup-winning boss Brendan Rodgers has also spoken highly of his qualities, while Jermaine Jenas believes that he would not look out of place at either Manchester City or Manchester United.

Nonetheless, Bissouma is clearly good enough to play for any team in the top flight, and so if he were to arrive at St. James' Park, it would prove to be a real coup.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

As per French football journalist and commentator Fabrice Hawkins, Bissouma is the 'subject of several offers', with a £30m offer already being 'rebuffed' by the Seagulls.

However, he will not leave the Amex Stadium unless there is an 'exceptional' bid put on the table, and while the North East club are 'interested' and could match that bid financially, they face competition from both Aston Villa and Arsenal for his signature.

The Verdict: Statement signing

Following the arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, the Tyneside outfit have already strengthened in defence and in attack.

Midfield may then be next on the list, and signing Bissouma from a team above them in the league would be a real statement of intent.

Now at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Mali, the 25-year-old is currently ranked as the sixth-best centre midfielder in the top flight to have played at least 10 games by WhoScored, and so would certainly be an upgrade on Eddie Howe's current options.

Nonetheless, to take him off of one of their Premier League rivals, like they did with Wood at Burnley, would put a stern message out to the rest of the division.

In other news, find out which 'special' £50m-rated forward is now the 'priority' for NUFC here!