Newcastle lose ground in race for Lyon star

Napoli and Inter Milan have edged ahead of Newcastle in the chase to land Lyon full-back Aly Cissokho.

The 24-year-old is tipped to leave the French side this summer after four seasons at the Ligue 1 club.

Newcastle are interested in Cissokho, but the defender's agent, Fabrizio Ferrari, believes his client will move to Serie A. However, he stressed that no bid has been made for the full-back as of yet.

"Lyon are still awaiting a suitable offer, but we are confident that the boy can get to Italy, but currently there is no relevant news," Ferrari is quoted as saying on Italian website Calciomercatonews.com.

Cissokho came close to joining Inter’s rivals AC Milan in the summer of 2009, but that move fell through after a medical revealed concerns over the left-back’s teeth. Milan medical officials believed Cissokho’s dental problems signified potential spinal issues.