Magpies launch Mbia bid

Mbia: In Kinnear's sights

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Newcastle have tabled a £5million approach for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.

Magpies boss Joe Kinnear has made no secret of his admiration for the Cameroon international and revealed on Wednesday that discussions regarding a possible deal had reached an advanced stage.

It has now emerged that a sizeable offer has been made for the African ace, with Newcastle keen to push the deal through as soon as possible.

"We put a bid in for Stephane Mbia earlier in the week with an offer of £5million, that is a permanent deal," Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle.

"He's a fantastic player."

Newcastle are also waiting to hear back from West Ham full-back Lucas Neill as Kinnear looks to make headway in the transfer market.

"We have spoke to him, we are waiting to hear what the answer is from West Ham," added the Magpies boss.

"All I can say is it is seriously ongoing."

Targets

Kinnear remains optimistic that new recruits are imminent and is hoping to have added fresh faces to his squad by the time Newcastle travel to Ewood Park on Saturday.

He said: "We'd love to have them in for the Blackburn game.

"We wouldn't want to leave it any later.

"We'd like to bring back in injured players and fresh faces.

"We've identified the players we want."