Ligue 1 star could be set for Toon

Newcastle are reportedly edging closer to a deal for Lille forward Gervinho, despite the interest of Liverpool.

According to the Northern Echo, the Magpies have been negotiating with the 24-year-old and his representatives over the weekend, and a £10 million deal could be concluded by the end of the week.

The signing of Gervinho would certainly represent quite a coup for Newcastle, with the Ivory Coast international also a reported target for Liverpool and Arsenal.

However, it would appear that Newcastle are close to winning the race for his services as Alan Pardew sets about investing some of the money received from Andy Carroll's £35 million move to Anfield in January.

A portion of that hefty sum also looks likely to be used on Gervinho's Lille teammate Yohan Cabaye, with the midfielder already revealing his intentions to join Newcastle after an initial enquiry was made by the north east club.

Pardew could also see his transfer funds reinforced by the expected departure of left-back Jose Enrique, who is seemingly destined to swap Newcastle for Liverpool during the summer.

Source: GiveMeFootball.com