Newcastle are planning a surprise move to re-sign midfielder Mehi Abeid, according to L’Equipe.
The French news outlet claims that the Magpies are one of a number of clubs who are interested in the 24-year-old who has enjoyed a good season in Ligue 1 with Dijon.
Abeid arrived at St. James’ Park from Lens in 2011 but failed to impress in his time in England and was shipped out on loan to both St. Johnstone and Panathinaikos.
He made his move to the Greek giants permanent in 2015 but after just a year he was on the move again following the termination of his contract.
The five-times Algeria international, who also represented France at youth level, made 28 appearances in Ligue 1 this term, scoring three goals and supplying two assists.
A call-up to Algeria’s African Cup of Nations squad played havoc with his ability to hold down a regular starting place at Dijon though, who regularly dropped him from the team throughout the course of the campaign.
However he has remained open on his future and refused to rule out a move from the French club in the near future.
“I am very attached to the DFCO and therefore to the Dijon project, but I do not close any doors,” said Abeid, as quoted by L’Equipe.
It is understood the midfielder, who had just 21 appearances for Newcastle between 2011 and 2015, has two years left on his deal at Stade Gaston Gerard.