With January just around the corner, it seems like Newcastle have already done their first bit of transfer business.

Sources are suggesting that Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga may finally be ready to complete his long awaited transfer to Newcastle United.

The forward was reportedly spotted at St. James’ Park earlier this week for a supposed medical with the Magpies before wrapping up the move in January.

Maiga was expected to complete his switch from the Ligue 1 side over the summer and even went as far as publicly expressing his desire to come to England.

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However, the Sochaux hierarchy decided that it was not time for them to let go of their forward asset just yet, and apparently stepped in to block the transfer.

If the 24 year-old were to come to the Tynesiders, he would join an already strong contingent of French-speaking players in the squad including Gabriel Obertan, Yohan Cabaye, Sylvain Marveaux, Cheick Tiote and leading goalscorer, Demba Ba.

The French fleet that’s developing at the North East side seems to have had an impact, with Ba, Cabaye and Tiote all making shining impacts since they came to the club.

Although former Hoffenheim and West Ham hitman, Ba, has been so successful in front of goal already this season, the club were always expected to sign a striker in the new year, using some of the funds from Andy Carroll’s £35m January move to Liverpool.

Newcastle United have persisted in their pursuit of Maiga and it seems to have paid off, with the proposed move set to cost £7m.

Written by Thomas Sunderland