MONTPELLIER feel they can use long term Newcastle United target Ryan Boudebouz as part of negotiations to sign Holland international Tim Krul.

The Ligue 1 outfit have previously maintained they are not interested in selling Boudebouz, with the Magpies known to have regularly checked on his availability and have made offers for him in the past.

Montpellier know this, although Newcastle’s interest has always been centred on Graham Carr, who has since left his role as chief scout.

But Montpellier are still looking to do business with Newcastle for goalkeeper Krul, who is available this summer with Rafael Benietz keen to bring in a new face to compete with Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow.

Krul knows he is heading for a summer exit but the question is where he will end up, with interest in him from across Europe.

The 29-year-old had loan stints with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar last season and had hoped to return as No 1 at St James’ Park, but Benitez has other ideas. He has already tried to sign Pepe Reina and Wily Caballero.

Now Montpellier have expressed an interest in a goalkeeper who could cost somewhere in the region of £5m – and that is where Boudebouz could come in.

The attacking midfielder has been rated previously in the £13m bracket, but there is a hint they could lower their asking price. Boudebouz, also linked with Everton and Southampton, has a contract until 2019 and scored 11 goals last season.

Montpellier coach Michel der Zakarian insists they have not received a bid this summer, but he said: “We have not received a single offer this month. But with the good sale of Steve Mounie, we may be more interested in the price for Ryad. But we have a deal with him and he can leave at any time.”

Newcastle are struggling to get deals done for first team players but they have received international clearance to use Tyrique Bartlett next season.

Bartlett, the son of former South Africa and Charlton Athletic star Shaun, has signed permanently after the club received the necessary paperwork to play him following his successful trial.

And Newcastle have confirmed they will round off their Premier League preparations with a home friendly against Hellas Verona.

The Italian side, who won promotion from Serie B last season, will take be at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 6 (3pm).

Verona are managed by former Newcastle coach Fabio Pecchia, who left just over a year ago to take up his first managerial post with the Gialloblu.