French Ligue 1 side Lille are showing serious interest in Newcastle United target Ante Coric.

The highly-rated Croatia international is expected to move on from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer transfer window and it was claimed earlier this week that Sampdoria are closing in on a deal.




Coric has also been linked with Newcastle, who recently won promotion to the Premier League, and Sampdoria may not have matters all their own way after another club joined the hunt.

"Lille are very interested in Ante", a source close to the negotiations told French outlet Foot Mercato.
 


"They have watched him several times", the source continued.

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"He is very in demand and very talented."

Lille have placed the 20-year-old close to the top of their summer priorities, but may have to move quickly if they are to win the race for his signature.

Coric turned out for Dinamo Zagreb in this season's Champions League, making nine appearances in the competition overall, as he faced sides such as Sevilla, Lyon and Juventus in the group stage.

The attacking midfielder made his senior Croatia debut in May last year.