Newcastle are in talks with Marseille over a move for winger Florian Thauvin.

The Magpies have maintained an interest in the 22-year-old for much of the summer, but now Press Association Sport understands they have opened negotiations with the French club.

Rumors in France have suggested that Newcastle midfielder Remy Cabella, who has struggled to establish himself in English football since his £7million arrival from Montpellier in July last year, could be used as a makeweight in any deal.

Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren, who has been involved in regular meetings with managing director Lee Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr over recruitment throughout the summer, has been keen to add to his attacking resources after bringing in Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, although Thauvin was in the club's sights long before the former England boss's arrival on Tyneside.

He will now hope they can make a breakthrough on what would be another sizable transfer after heavy investment in Georginio Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba and Mitrovic.

SEE MORE: Read our Newcastle United 2015/16 season preview.

There was an air of positivity around St James' Park following the opening weekend of the season, during which McClaren's new-look side drew 2-2 with Southampton.

However, that was short-lived as they succumbed 2-0 at Swansea on Saturday and were fortunate to escape with that scoreline after full-back Daryl Janmaat was sent off for two bookable offenses.

Their defensive frailties were highlighted once again at the Liberty Stadium and fans will hope too for further strengthening in that department before the summer window closes.