Zenit Saint Petersburg are reportedly set to sign a new striker, suggesting Newcastle United-linked Sardar Azmoun could be departing.
RMC Sport bring this claim, as Lyon are another team supposedly interested in signing the Iran international.
Apparently, the Russian club are about to sign Yuri Alberto from Brazilian club Internacional.
It is a deal, RMC Sport suggest, that should get done.
And once it does, there is seemingly an increased chance of Zenit facilitating the sale of Azmoun.
Newcastle were linked with a move for Azmoun earlier this month.
The Daily Mail claimed Newcastle had made enquiries about the 27-year-old.
Since that report, the Magpies have signed Chris Wood from Burnley. But it is thought Eddie Howe wants another centre-forward in, with Callum Wilson back on the sidelines with injury.
The club continue to be linked with a string of names. Atalanta star Duvan Zapata is apparently also someone of interest to Newcastle.
It seems Zenit could be ready to let Azmoun go once they sign Alberto.
But Newcastle would face strong competition from Lyon, with Peter Bosz saying he hopes to land the player. Juventus are also said to be hovering.
Sardar Azmoun set to become available, following recent Newcastle transfer links
So it looks as though Zenit are preparing for life after Azmoun, amid recent transfer links to Newcastle for the player.
He is out of contract at the end of the season, and the Russian club seem ready to act.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle come calling.
The links with Lyon seem quite strong.
Currently, they have Karl Toko Ekambi and Islam Slimani at AFCON and could do with a centre-forward.
But Newcastle also need another after Wood. Azmoun has scored 10 goals in 21 games this term, and might be a decent addition. Although it would also be a risk since he has never played a senior game outside of Russia.
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