Current Club: Marseille Estimated Cost In January: £9.1 Million Age: 25 Position: Centre Back According to reports during the summer, Newcastle United were in pole position to sign Nicolas N'Koulou from Marseille. However, the deal did not materialise and the talented defender has stayed in France. The centre-back has been impressive during his time in Ligue 1 and has made over 125 appearances for Marseille. Last season, N'Koulou played 24 times and scored twice and he has made a good start to the new campaign despite OM's poor form. N'Koulou is another confident ball player and one who likes to dribble out of defence at the earliest opportunity. He is naturally left-footed and would give Newcastle United;s first-choice left-back - whoever that may be - cover. But, on saying that, N'Koulou is predominantly a traditional, classy, central-defender who would be available for around £10 million due to his contract expiring in 2016.