Newcastle United are believed to be on the verge of sealing a deal to bring Modibo Maiga to the club in January, with a £8million switch to St James' Park on the cards.

Alan Pardew's men have been in the market for a new frontman since the departure of Andy Carroll to Liverpool back in January, and the side's supporters were frustrated by the failure to sign a new attacker in the summer.

The Tyneside team have been tracking Sochaux's Maiga for some time, and came close to signing the African hitman in the last transfer window, but a move fell through.

Despite this, L'Equipe state that the Mali international will sign a four-and-a-half year deal with the Premier League outfit in the new year, after impressive Ligue 1 performances have kept The Magpies keen to add him to their squad.

Maiga refused to play for Sochaux at the start of the season after the French club blocked his move to Newcastle, but has since made it back to action, scoring four goals in six games.

A controversial character, Maiga has been booed by his own fans for a lack of commitment to the club in the past, and has previously publicly stated his interest in a move to Newcastle.

By Gareth McKnight

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