Newcastle United are believed to be keeping tabs on Rennes forward Martin Terrier ahead of the January transfer window, with the Frenchman attracting hefty interest from the Premier League.

What's the word?

Recent reports have revealed that the Magpies - as well as a number of top-flight clubs - are currently scouting the 25-year-old with a move in the winter in mind, with the highly-coveted marksman set to cost in the region of £30m.

This follows previous speculation during the summer that claimed that Dan Ashworth was hoping to sign the former Lyon man, with Football Insider stating that an offer of around £25m had been submitted by the northeast side.

Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - has now provided his thoughts regarding a possible swoop for the 6-foot sensation, stating:

"I can understand why Newcastle would be taking a look at him. It’s my feeling that after this World Cup, he’ll probably start to play a bit of a role for the French national team as well.

“And obviously, after a fairly slow start to the season, he’s really started to get motoring in Ligue 1 as well. So, there is the possibility that they qualify for the Champions League between now and the end of the season, and obviously that would add a substantial amount to his price tag as well.

“But I think in terms of a fit, he would be able to play and perform at the highest level in the Premier League, but I do think probably needs a bit of consistent exposure to continental football.

“And that’s not something that Newcastle will be able to offer immediately. The assumption is that they will finish in the European places based on how they’re performing in the Premier League so far.”

Newcastle's next Ginola

Terrier has seemingly warranted such interest as a result of his goalscoring heroics in recent years, with the former France U21 international having scored 41 goals and provided 19 assists in just 104 games for his current side to date.

That haul includes a tally of 11 goals in just 20 games in all competitions so far this term - eight of which have come in just 14 league games - while the £21.4k-per-week machine also scored 21 times in 37 top-flight appearances last term.

That record is particularly impressive considering the one-time Lille man - who still has just under four years left to run on his existing deal - is not an out-and-out centre-forward, having typically lined up on the left flank in his career thus far.

Such clinical displays from the flanks have even seen the wide man likened to legendary compatriot Thierry Henry in the past, with European football writer Tim Williams previously stating:

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry.

“Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

As far as those at St James' Park are concerned, the hope will be that Terrier can replicate the impact of another Frenchman to have lit up the Premier League from the flanks in the form of David Ginola, with the silky playmaker having enjoyed an impressive two-year stint with the Magpies.

The now-retired icon was snapped up by Kevin Keegan from Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain in 1995 for a reported fee of around £2.5m, going on to quickly become something of a cult figure among the club's support, as well as in England as a whole.

While Ginola's time with Newcastle was brief - having eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur in 1997 - the Gassin-born maestro delighted both fans and pundits alike with his speed and skill from his wide berth, notably scoring seven times and providing 16 assists in 76 games for the club in total.

Part of a team that twice finished second in the league - and was memorably lauded as the league's "Entertainers" - the flamboyant gem truly did leave his mark on Tyneside after arriving from his homeland.

Should Terrier be able to replicate such an impact were he to sign in the New Year, then Eddie Howe and co would surely be in for a real treat.