Sochaux starlet in demand

Sochaux's Jeremy Mathieu has had Premiership scouts flocking to France.

Sochaux's young talent Jeremy Mathieu has had Premiership scouts flocking to France.

The highly-rated forward has caught the attention of Newcastle United, Southampton and Everton with his performances this season.

Newcastle received a first-hand look at the 21-year-old's talents during their Uefa Cup tie and Graeme Souness was suitably impressed.

French champions Lyon want to keep Mathieu in his homeland but they would rather wait until the summer before launching a bid for the left-footed youngster.

Sochaux are aware of the interest in the player and are keen to tie him down to a new contract.

Mathieu's present deal runs until 2006.