Newcastle United continue to search for a new head coach in spite of their fight against relegation - and Saint Etienne boss Christophe Galtier has returned to the top of their wanted list. The Magpies spoke with Galtier in January after tracking the 49-year-old for some time - and now reports in France claim they are in "discussions" with the Ligue 1 head coach. French paper Mercato claims the Magpies have contacted Galtier and that they have lined him up as the man to take over on Tyneside should they remain in the Premier League. A French League Cup winner in 2013, Galtier has worked wonders on a modest budget at St Etienne and he led the club to fourth in Ligue 1 last season. This has not gone unnoticed with the powers that be at Newcastle, with managing director Lee Charnley and head scout Graham Carr both believed to be keen admirers. Newcastle have been looking for a head coach since Alan Pardew left for Crystal Palace at the turn of the year - with Carver taking control on an interim basis until the end of the season. Although Carver wants the job, he has won just two matches since and the Magpies have been dragged into a relegation fight. Galtier is unsure whether or not to extend his six-year stay at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, and it is believed he is intrigued by the prospect of taking over at Newcastle. At the end of this month he will have a year remaining on his current St Etienne contract and Galtier has continuously rebuffed attempts from the club to make him sign an extended deal. Derby County boss Steve McClaren turned down the opportunity to take control at St James' Park for the crucial final three games of the season, while the agent of Ajax boss Frank de Boer has insisted the Dutchman does not want to leave the Eredivisie club. Real Sociedads David Moyes, Rayo Vallecanos Paco Jemez, Real Madrid first-team coach Paul Clement and former Olympiacos boss Michel Gonzalez are just some of the other names to be linked to the Magpies hotseat in recent days. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.