Newcastle United favourites to sign Chelsea midfield target?

Newcastle United are reportedly ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara in January.

The 22-year-old will enter the final six months of his contract in January, and he has declined a new deal with the Ligue 1 club.

This has led to suggestions that Marseille could sell him at the turn of the year rather than losing him on a free transfer.

Chelsea have been linked with his services lately, but according to The Sun, the Magpies could steal the march on the London giants.

The Blues are looking to sign him on a pre-contract, but the Magpies are aiming to beat them by negotiating a deal next month.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe believes the midfielder is 'too good' to let slip through the net. The club are willing to pay £10m.

Howe is likely to prioritise midfield and defensive signings next month with the new Saudi owners ready to go on a spending spree.