[kennethlindheim]

Newcastle are believed to have offered a trial to French defender Yoann Lachor.

The Lens ace is expected to spend a few days training with the Newcastle squad this week so that Magpies boss Graeme Souness can cast an eye over him.

Souness is keen to add new faces to his squad as his options have been decimated by a crippling injury list this term.

The Magpies have struggled defensively this term and Souness has made defensive reinforcements his top priority in this month's transfer window.

Lachor is thought to be keen on a move away from Lens after dropping down the pecking order at Stade Felix-Bollaert.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to England before with Lachor claiming in November that he had held talks with Birmingham.

However, Newcastle could be set to steal a march on their rivals and bring the defender to St James' Park if he impresses during his trial period.

Never heard of him.