NEWCASTLE UNITED face a battle with West Ham and AC Milan in their efforts to sign Morgan Sanson this summer.

The 20-year-old currently plays for Montpellier and has attracted the attention of the Magpies through their chief scout Graham Carr who is believed to be an admirer of the Frenchman.

However, both the Hammers and Milan will look to firm up their tentative interest in the box-to-box midfielder in the summer, with the youngster appearing to prefer a move to England.

"From a young age, England has always fascinated me,” Sanson told Bein Sports. “I want to go there, but we'll see in the future.

“Before then, another step in France? I do not know, it depends on my progress. If I can take a step forward I will.

“The longer I stay at Montpellier, the less I’m likely to move to a similar club.”