Newcastle Plotting Post-World Cup Raid On Ligue 1

Claude Paris/AP/Press Association ImagesNewcastle are hoping to make significant progress on the recruitment front once the World Cup has finished and have targeted the addition of three French players to the squad before the transfer window snaps shut. It's been over a fortnight since Jack Colback completed his controversial transfer to St James' Park with United drawing blanks on most of our major targets. But the Journal are reporting this morning that we've received "positive soundings" from the representatives of playmaker Remy Cabella in recent days. Despite our ongoing conflict with Montpellier's eccentric chairman, Louis Nicollin, it's understood that Newcastle are confident of landing the creative 24-year-old, which is an extremely positive sign in our book, and will submit a fresh bid after the Finals in Brazil come to a close. And we're also set to recommence our chase for Lyon duo Clement Grenier and Alexandre Lacazette, who're both full France internationals, with managing director Lee Charnley stepping up his efforts to bring new faces to Tyneside following his return from holiday last week. Charnley would undoubtedly earn the praise of Toon supporters should he manage to nail down the acquisition of Cabella - who want to join Newcastle - while it would be considered a major coup if he were to pull off deals for Grenier and Lacazette. All three would breathe new life into our ailing attack although we're still slightly sceptical as to whether Mike Ashley is prepared to give Charnley the green light to spend the near £30 million it would take to bring this talented bunch to Tyneside.