Newcastle and Celtic vying for Lass Diarra

Daily Mirror has suggested that Newcastle will challenge Celtic for the signature of former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The Frenchman is a free agent after leaving Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer and he has reportedly held talks with the Bhoys on Friday.

And while Diarra has reportedly all but agreed to join Celtic, Premier League high-flyers Newcastle are set to make a late move on the experienced footballer.

The Magpies are somewhat short of options in the centre of the park and they are ready to offer the player a short term deal until the end of the season.

And while Scottish giants Celtic hope Diarra will keep his word and move to Parkhead, the lure of returning to English Premier League could see Newcastle emerge victorious.

Diarra already has plenty of Premiership experience, having made a total of 44 top flight appearances while representing Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth.