Newcastle United have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Marseille defender Boubacar Kamara.

What's the story?

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the 21-year-old has turned down the offer of a new contract from his boyhood club, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2022.

An asking price of £15m has been mooted for the highly-rated Kamara, although Steve Bruce may have to move quickly in order to secure his man as Lazio and AC Milan are also credited with an interest.

Bruce will surely be buzzing

Comfortable playing either at the base of midfield or in the centre of defence, the France under-21 international has cultivated a solid reputation in his homeland, making 122 appearances for Marseille despite his tender years.

However, it appears as though Kamara is ready for pastures new after growing tired of life at the Ligue 1 giants. In an interview back in April, he expressed his open-minded approach to his future in the south of France, stating: “I think I’m ready to go anywhere after what I have experienced at OM.”

Kamara's impressive displays have attracted numerous plaudits over the last couple of campaigns, including from former Marseille teammate Rolando.

“This kid is a phenomenon. When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player," revealed the experienced defender.

"He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary”

The Magpies have been linked with a move for Kamara in recent weeks as he edges closer to the Stade Velodrome exit door, and the club's hierarchy may decide to make a formal offer for the youngster following this latest revelation.

With fellow transfer target Kristoffer Ajer appearing to move towards Premier League rivals Brentford, Newcastle manager Steve Bruce will surely be buzzing to learn of Kamara's decision to turn down a new contract in France, potentially opening the door for a switch to Tyneside.

In other news... Newcastle suffer blow in pursuit of “inspirational” £20m gem, Bruce will be gutted