Newcastle United have reportedly made initial contact over a potential move for Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Kalimuendo has scored 40 goals and provided 14 assists in 112 competitive appearances for Rennes since he joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
The 23-year-old finished the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season as the third-highest scorer after he netted 17 goals in 33 top-flight matches.
Newcastle appear to have taken note of the forward's fine form, with L'Equipe reporting that the Magpies are showing an interest in Kalimuendo ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that Newcastle have already made initial contact over a potential move, although they are facing competition from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Newcastle are believed to be willing to make a considerable bid to win the race to sign the Rennes striker ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Magpies could view Kalimuendo as a potential replacement for Callum Wilson, who is set to depart when his contract expires at the end of June.
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Fulham weighing up Juranovic bid
Meanwhile, Fulham are reportedly considering whether to make an offer to sign former Celtic defender Josip Juranovic from German club Union Berlin.
The Cottagers appear to be putting in contingency plans for the potential departure of their first-choice right-back Kenny Tete.
He is out of contract at the end of next month, and there is currently no agreement in place for him to extend his deal.
With uncertainty surrounding Tete's future, the Cottagers have seemingly identified Union's Juranvoic as a possible replacement.
According to Bild, Fulham are weighing up whether to step up their interest with a formal offer, having kept tabs on the defender for a number of years.
Marco Silva's side are joined in the race by recently-promoted Burnley, who will be keen to assemble a squad that can compete in the top flight.
Juranovic represents a viable option for his suitors, having proven that he can play as a full-back or wing-back on either flank.
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Aston Villa identify Chevalier as Martinez
Elsewhere, Aston Villa have reportedly identified Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
The 2022 World Cup winner is being heavily linked with a move away from the Villans despite having four years left to run on his contract.
Martinez appears to have indicated that he is ready to try a fresh challenge following his five-year stay at Villa Park.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Villa have made Lille's Chevalier their 'top priority' target for the goalkeeper position.
Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, has already held talks with the player's representatives over a potential move.
Chevalier has made it clear that he is ready to leave Lille this summer and appears to be keen on the prospect of testing himself in the Premier League.
The French club are said to be looking for €40m (£34.6m) to part ways with a goalkeeper who is under contract until 2027.
Villa will have to free up funds before they can make a formal offer to sign the 23-year-old shot-stopper this summer.
