Both Liverpool and Newcastle United will make a January approach for Valenciennes centre back Nicolas Isimat Mirin according to the Metro.

The French club are happy to talk to admirers if a bid of £4million or more is placed in the January transfer window.

Both the Reds and the Magpies are desperate to sure up their failing defences with the pair massively underachieving this season after so much expectation in the summer.

Newcastle have had numerous injury problems this season with Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor both being affected while Liverpool are planning for life without club legend Jamie Carragher.

The French centre half is just one of a batch of impressive young Ligue 1 players that have blossomed this season, sparking an Arsene Wenger style raid of the French League in January.

Valenciennes are happy to do business with regard to Isimat Mirin but they would want to keep the defender on loan for the rest of the season.