NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to sign FC Utrecht striker Sebastien Haller, but Sporting Lisbon and Monaco are currently leading the chase for the 22-year-old Frenchman.

Newcastle officials spoke to their counterparts at Utrecht earlier this week, and were quoted an asking price of around €7m for Haller, who has scored two goals in the opening two games of the Eredivisie season.

Rafael Benitez is determined to sign a physical striker to provide an alternative to Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is due to return from suspension after Saturday’s game at Bristol City, and currently regards Haller as his preferred target.

However, sources in Holland claim there is little chance of the 14-time France Under-21 international dropping into the Championship when he has alternative offers from two of Europe’s leading clubs.

Sporting Lisbon have also held detailed discussions with Utrecht, and have been given permission to begin negotiations with Haller and his representatives.

Monaco have also emerged as interested suitors, and the potential lure of Champions League football could enable the Ligue 1 club to leap to the front of the queue.

Monaco beat Villarreal 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, and provided they confirm their place in the group stages next week, their spending power will increase significantly as a result.