Newcastle trail French striker Jimmy Briand

Oct 28 2007 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE are on the trail of young French striker Jimmy Briand.

United scouts have watched the 22-year-old Rennes starlet on several occasions this season, with a view to a possible move.

Magpies boss Sam Allardyce tracked Briand, who combines physical presence with impressive pace, while in charge at Bolton last season.

And Newcastle could launch a bid for the France international in January, regardless of the future of Michael Owen or Obafemi Martins.

With Martins on African Nations Cup duty in the New Year, Mark Viduka’s fitness a concern and Shola Ameobi struggling to impress Allardyce, Briand is potentially a worthwhile addition to United’s striking options.

He recently signed a new contract with Rennes and leads their scoring charts this season with three goals, having emerged in 2006/07 in partnership with the now Portsmouth striker, John Utaka.