Newcastle United eye Samuel Umtiti

Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Newcastle United in the summer.

The Magpies are expected to ring in the changes next season, should Steve McClaren manage to keep the club in the top flight.

The Newcastle United Chronicle suggests the Tyneside outfit have earmarked the need for defensive reinforcements given their dismal showing in the Premier League this term.

It is added 22-year-old Umtiti is regarded as an ideal fit to add more steel to their backline.

The Cameroonian-born footballer has the ability to play at either central defence or left-back.