Benjamin Corgnet targeted by Newcastle and Aston Villa

Posted Sunday, December 18, 2011 by Metro.co.uk

Benjamin Corgnet has emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers.

The Dijon midfielder has enjoyed a fine first half of the Ligue 1 season, after helping the club to win promotion last term.

His record of six goals in 16 games during the current campaign has attracted attention from a number of Premier League clubs, reports L'Equipe.

Newcastle, who have picked up players like Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux from the French league in recent times, are said to be the team most interested in Corgnet.

However, they may face competition if they decide to make an offer for the 24-year-old, as Villa and Rovers are apparently also monitoring his situation.

Benjamin Corgnet (left) is a target for Newcastle

Newcastle are likely to have more important priorities in the January transfer window, as manager Alan Pardew is keen to sign a replacement for Steven Taylor - who has been ruled out for the rest of the season - and a new striker.

The Magpies thought they already had their forward signing lined up, but a £6.5million deal for Modibo Maiga has collapsed after the Sochaux striker failed a medical.