Newcastle United will have competition from Liverpool and Arsenal for defensive target Evan Ndicka

Newcastle United are continuing to run the rule over French defender Evan Ndicka ahead of the summer transfer window.

Reports in Germany have linked the Magpies with Ndicka and sources close to Ndicka's representatives have stated there is interest from United in the French Under-21 international centre-back. Newcastle are looking to strengthen in all areas this summer but the interest in Ndicka is particularly intriguing for supporters.

Indeed, with Fabian Schar hinting he wants to stay at Newcastle and the £13million signing of Dan Burn in the summer the heart of the defence seems settled at the moment with even skipper Jamaal Lascelles not guaranteed a start right now. Ndicka would offer further solidity to the defensive rearguard and he can also play left-back.

Ndicka would cost a fee in the region of £23million and has just one year left on his contract with Eintracht Frankfurt. The former Auxerre defender has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool in recent years, with both regularly scouting the talented star.

United have a £15million option to sign Matt Targett from Aston Villa but personal terms are still to be agreed. Newcastle were hoping to run the rule over Ndicka tonight in the Europa League semi-final at West Ham but his red card against Barcelona at the Nou Camp rules him out of the clash at the London Stadium.

When asked about summer recruitment, Eddie Howe said: "We want to try and keep the main group together because, as I said, the mentality and spirit of the group is very good, I don’t want to break that up."