Newcastle Transfer Rumour: Midfield Prodigy Set For Trial

Newcastle look set to offer a trial to midfielder Abdelhakim Omrani, according to reports, with the 20-year-old high on Alan Pardew's transfer wishlist for January.

Omrani has impressed so far for Lens since moving from the side's youth squad to the seniors, and Pardew is said to be looking to build on his youngsters over the next few seasons to create a side capable of staying in the top flight for the long term.

And L'Equipe claims that sources at Lens have revealed that Omrani is interested in making a move to Newcastle, and is currently getting ready to undertake a trial with the club.

Omrani completed a trial with Bayern Munich in August, but was unable to agree to a deal with the German side, leaving him open to talks this month.

His contract with Lens runs out in 2013, meaning that Newcastle could well get the youngster on board permanently this year if Lens hope to profit from his transfer.

After selling Andy Carroll last January to Liverpool for a British record fee of £35 million, and losing Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan in the summer transfer window, the Toon looked set to struggle this season, with some pundits going so far as to claim that they could be in the relegation zone once more.

But Newcastle have so far proven their critics wrong, being in serious Champions League contention at one point, and holding an unbeaten record to make the top sides particularly jealous.

But the club are still reportedly planning on making some moves in this window as their injuries pile up, though Pardew is insisting on keeping quiet over any specific targets.

"I'm not going to give anything away," he said on the subject of transfers. "I'm not going to take away our negotiating position but we are working on it."

When asked if there was cash available to purchase if need be, he replied: "Yes."

Newcastle have a leaning towards French players, with Pardew dipping his toes into the market on many occasions in the summer transfer window.

And the signings have paid off so far, with Yohan Cabaye and Gabriel Obertan both shining this season, while Sylvain Marveaux and Medhi Abeid are showing promise in their limited appearances for the side.

And Omrani, who switched alliances from the France national side to Algeria after being invited to the Under 23 side's training camp last September, could be next on Pardew's list as he targets a long term replacement for Barton and Nolan.