Newcastle United have been linked with Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam, report The Times.

The left-back is an Algerian international who The Times claim has been valued by his club at £7 million.

They will face competition for his signature, with The Metro reporting earlier this week that fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea are looking at the 24-year-old.

Ghouam featured at the World Cup last summer for Algerian, and was a regular in Rafa Benitez’s Napoli side last season.

Just at the weekend, Ghoulam said he was trying to keep his keep on the ground despite speculation, telling Le Buteur: “It’s nice to be spoken about in connection with prestigious clubs.

“But frankly, I do not pay too much attention. I’m not bothering my head with that. I’m on holiday at the moment – we will see what happens.”

For Newcastle to sign Ghoulam it would be somewhat of a coup, given the current level of sides also interested in him. France Football reported a week ago that Ligue 1 champions PSG were interested.

Steve McClaren is still looking for his first Newcastle signing of the summer, with the club due to travel on their pre-season tour at the weekend.

In other news, Manager clarifies future of reported £11m Leeds target, he hasn’t asked to leave