Newcastle United have enquired about the possible
availability of Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra.
The talented 22-year-old, already a regular with the France
national side, has found opportunities more limited at Emirates
Stadium.
Diarra only moved to Arsenal during the final hours of the summer
transfer window but has grown disgruntled at a lack of playing
time.
North London rivals Tottenham were mooted as possible contenders
for his signature, as were Portsmouth, but it is Newcastle who have
stolen a march on their rivals.
Attracting
interest
Newcastle's disappointing first half of the season has only
heightened a desire for fresh faces and should Arsenal be willing
to do business, Diarra's capture would be regarded as a notable
coup.
Sam Allardyce has yet to put in a formal offer but is believed to
have made a firm enquiry.
Should Diarra move to Newcastle then Allardyce may elect to offload
Emre, who has been linked with a switch to Monaco in the French
press.
The Principality outfit are reportedly also admirers of Manchester
City's Gelson Fernandes, but see Emre as a more realistic
option.
