Newcastle have been linked with a move for Aymen Abdennour.
According to a report by respected Spanish newspaper AS, Newcastle and Everton lead the English interest in the defender who is also in the plans of French sides Olympique Lyon and Olympique Marseille.
Tunisian internationalist Abdennour is believed to prefer a return to French football after leaving Monaco in 2015 but a big money offer from England could change his mind.
Rafa Benitez has been on the look out for players since Newcastle’s promotion was confirmed and believes that the Spanish market offers good value particularly for defensive players.
Valencia paid Monaco £18m for Abdennour in 2015 but are believed to be willing to accept £13m for the defender who drifted out of their first team plans last season.
At that price Everton are also interested in signing the 27-year-old with Ronald Koeman concerned that his first choice central defenders, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams are both in their thirties.
