Newcastle are trailing Achille Emana

Newcastle are mobile midfielder Cameroon international Achille Emana as manager Kevin Keegan is preparing to launch its recruitment campaign summer.

The 25-year contract french club Toulouse until 2011, but it says the search for a new challenge after a disappointing league campaign which saw his side finished 17th a year after the qualification for the Champions League .

It is understood the pies have opened initial talks with the player they see as a possible move and his adviser, Sébastien Thiery, said that St James' Park is a destination, consider it seriously.

Thiery said: "Achilles is ready to play in the Premier League and Newcastle is a team he played for the relish. It is strong and is a box-to-box midfielder who also has a lot of pace.

"He has the right number of caps and the right amount of experience to 25 not to be overawed by the Premier League, which would be an exciting challenge."

Emana, a product of Valencia youth system, is seeking either England or Spain for the next stage of his career, and Seville, Real Betis and West Ham are seen as potential competitors for his signature.

Portsmouth FA Cup winners have also been alerted to his availability possible.

He went to 2006 and 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament with Cameroon, and has played alongside the man Geremi pies in the final years that their countries fell 1-0 to Egypt in Ghana .

Newcastle are yet to take a decision on Joey Barton's future, while Emre has been repeated speculation that he could return to Turkey this summer.

Keegan has been linked with a move for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, and there is little doubt, it will try to add creativity to a team that lacks certainly in the midfield for much of the last season.

However, his transfer could be complicated relations with President Chris Death of imminent departure and the installation of his successor, newly appointed vice-Derek Llambias hot favourite to take over.

However, the two men are currently working together under the watchful eye of owner Mike Ashley and it would not be surprised if the foundations of what the club hopes to do during the late season is already underway.

Meanwhile, the season Geremi is still attracting a close as he and his international colleagues to prepare four critical World Cup.

However, 29-year-old admits he is already looking forward to his return to St James' and many more things next season.

He said: "Everything is in place to succeed, no doubt. We have everything to do with the facilities, not to mention the fans. Each week, St James' Park is full. This is a great thing - it's exciting. When you play you want to fight for people and try to win something.

"When you win matches, they are happy, so it inspires you to do."

Geremi, who was signed last summer by Sam Allardyce, found himself on the sidelines as pies slid to the edge of the fight against relegation.

He returned during the final weeks of the season to play a key role in reviving Keegan, and was very impressed by the new manager.

He said: "Kevin will try to make his own path and how he knows. It does not include things like everyone. If you remember when we were struggling, he told us that training is good.

He says: "Do not worry about results, they will come", and he was right. "

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