Newcastle United have reportedly made a £2million bid for Toulouse full-back Herita Ilunga as, they look to strengthen their defence ahead of the Premiership curtain raiser.

The 26-year old claimed that a move at this point would be most welcome by him due to his limited starting opportunities with the Ligue 1 club.

Ilunga said: "I do not exclude leaving.

"If I do not play, at my age, that becomes annoying for the progression of my career."

However the club boss Alain Casanova refused to comment on whether he was willing to let the Congolese move over from the club.

Casanova said: "He has said things, but they are his feelings at the start of the season.

"It's a long season. Let's see how things move during August."