NEWCASTLE have joined the January transfer race for Olympiacos star Pape Abou Cisse.
Cisse has been previously linked with Arsenal, Everton, Leicester and Liverpool following a series of standout performances in the Champions League and Europa League for the Piraeus outfit throughout the years.
But sources have told SunSport that the Magpies have also entered the bidding war after watching the centre-back's impressive displays in the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
The Toon have held talks with the 26-year-old's agent and want to complete the deal during the January transfer window.
The fee being discussed is in the region of £12million and the Greek champions are said to be open to a potential agreement under those terms.
Cisse replaced Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, who tested positive for coronavirus, in the Lions of Teranga's first two Afcon matches against Zimbabwe and Guinea.
The Senegalese ace helped Sadio Mane and co pick up two clean sheets and one win, which helped them top Group B and make it through to the Last 16.
He also made the team of the week after gameweek one of the tournament and was joined by Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez as well as former Southampton ace Sofiane Boufal.
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Newcastle are still looking for a centre-back to boost their backline amid the ongoing relegation scrap.
However, Sevilla star Diego Carlos still appears to be their top target, even though the Andalusians have reportedly turned down a £25m bid.
Cisse joined Olympiacos from Ajaccio in 2017 and helped restore confidence at the back after Kostas Manolas' exit in 2014.
The towering 6ft, 6in defender has since amassed a total of 119 appearances across all competitions and stood out in Europe against the likes of AC Milan, Arsenal, Wolves, City, Porto and Marseille.
Olympiacos have seen a number of their former players enjoying success in the Premier League these past few years, such as Kostas Tsimikas, Jose Sa, Daniel Podence and Luka Milivojevic.
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