Steve Howey believes Steve Bruce should bolster his Newcastle United midfield by signing Boubacar Kamara.

A second-half turnaround from West Ham United resulted in the Magpies being consigned to a 4-2 defeat on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Newcastle were unable to include Joe Willock, their only signing of the transfer window so far, in their squad following the midfielder's arrival from Arsenal.

While Willock will add goals after scoring eight in 14 appearances during his loan spell at St James' Park last season, former Magpies defender Howey believes Bruce needs more steel in the middle of the park.

Newcastle have shown an interest in Marseille's Kamara and even lodged a bid.

Kamara, 21, made 43 appearances for the French outfit last season and showed his versatility by also being deployed at the heart of the defence.

Despite entering the final year of his contract, Kamara has played every minute of Marseille's new Ligue One campaign so far.

But Howey has called on Newcastle to make their move ahead of the transfer window closing at the end of the month.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: "He's versatile and sometimes when you go abroad you can pick up a player for cheaper than in the Premier League.

"He could turn out to be an excellent signing. We've seen when Newcastle brought in other French lads, like Yohan Cabaye, they turned out to be outstanding signings. He could possibly be one of them."