Out-of-favour Newcastle midfielder Mehdi Abeid to be handed route back to France

Lille and Montpellier are vying to take Newcastle midfielder Mehdi Abeid back to France.

The 22-year-old, who arrived on Tyneside from Lens in 2011, made 13 Premier League appearances for the Toon last season.

He had previously spent time on loan at St Johnstone and Panathinaikos having struggled to break into the Magpies' first team.

The Algerian's future at St James' Park remains unclear with him now entering the final year of his contract.

And now, according to L'Equipe, Lille and Montpellier are keen on signing him and have already made contact with Newcastle about a summer deal.