Key Newcastle United target set for sitdown talks over future as Magpies 'miss out' on French defender

Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina, linked with Newcastle United, spent last season on loan at Fulham. (Photo by PHIL NOBLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Here are the latest rumours surrounding the Magpies:

Update on a potential double swoop

Newcastle United face competition to land Arsenal defender William Saliba, though remain hopeful of signing Southampton’s Mario Lemina.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claims Ligue 1 champions Lille have joined the race for Saliba, while Lemina remains on the Magpies’ radar.

Saliba, who was signed by the Gunners for £27m two years ago, is set to be handed his third loan spell in as many years following the imminent £50m arrival of Ben White.

The 20-year-old would be an “automatic pick” in Steve Bruce’s starting XI, however Lille could swoop in with the enticement of Champions League football.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are hopeful they can prise away Lemina from St Mary's. The former Fulham loanee is entering the final year of his contract and United are reportedly willing to pay £5m for his services.

However, it is also claimed the deal has hit an impasse over his age as Mike Ashley is reluctant to pay a fee for players over 27 and Lemina turns 28 in September.

Arsenal to hold sit down talks with Joe Willock

Arsenal will hold sit down talks with Joe Willock over his future when he returns from holiday.

Bruce wants to bring the 21-year-old back to St James’s Park this summer after he excelled during his loan spell – scoring eight goals in 14 games.

No formal bids offers have been tabled for the midfielder but that could change once Willock’s future at the Emirates is made clearer.

The Athletic reports if a suitable bid arrives for Willock then the Gunners will consider it.

Newcastle set to ‘miss out’ on Frenchman

Newcastle have joined the race for RC Lens defender Loic Bade but are reportedly set to miss out on the 21-year-old.

That is because Rennes, according to Footmercato, are pushing to wrap up a deal by the end of the week.

Bade has been chased by Rennes since January and has already agreed personal terms.

Apparently, the Magpies, AC Milan, Villarreal and Brighton were interested in adding him to their ranks this summer.