LORIENT striker Jean-Claude Darcheville last night insisted that Newcastle United are attempting to lure him back to England.

Darcheville, who spent a season on loan at Nottingham Forest in 1998-99, claims he has been approached by the Magpies with a view to resurrecting his short-lived Premiership career.

Monaco and Inter Milan are also said to be trailing the 26-year-old forward, who has scored 17 goals in 27 games this season in the French top flight for lowly Lorient.

''It is true to say that I am being coveted and that I have been contacted by Newcastle,'' said Darcheville, who scored twice in 16 Premiership appearances for Forest after arriving from Rennes.

Darcheville has two years left on his contract, but stressed: ''If a good opportunity to join a good club abroad comes up, I won't say no.

''I am not interested in playing in Italy. I want a league that suits my style of play, like Spain or England. In Italy there is no space.

''I would also quite like to stay in France for another year, but what I want the most is to play in Europe.''

Newcastle are chasing a Champions' League place and manager Bobby Robson is eager to boost the strength of his squad in the close season.

But his immediate priorities lie with his existing staff and the United boss is looking to tie four of his brightest stars to new contracts.

Midfielder Kieron Dyer, goalkeeper Shay Given and defenders Aaron Hughes and Andy O'Brien are all poised to pledge themselves to long-term deals.

O'Brien, who has attracted rave reviews from Robson in recent weeks, is the latest to line up fresh terms.

The Republic of Ireland centre-back has shown a maturity way beyond his 22 years and is likely to be rewarded with a two-year contract extension, tying him to Tyneside for the next five seasons.

The future of England international Dyer, who could be back in action tomorrow at home to former club Ipswich after seven weeks out with a foot stress fracture, is still the subject of intense speculation.

But United have already begun preliminary talks aimed at securing the £20m-rated schemer on a new five-year agreement.

Republic of Ireland keeper Given has also entered initial negotiations and indicated his willingness to sign a deal for a further six years.

And Northern Ireland international Hughes, who has made a hugely successful transition from centre-half to right-back, is another Magpie seeking long-term security.

Dyer, meanwhile, is believed to have been earmarked for a possible striking role in the clash with home-town club Ipswich.

With Craig Bellamy likely to be sidelined until Easter with a knee problem, and Carl Cort still struggling for match fitness after a ten-month injury lay-off, Robson is understood to be considering Dyer as an emergency frontline foil for skipper Alan Shearer.

Even though Gary Speed is unlikely to be risked with a hamstring injury, Robson has plenty of midfield options and could afford to push Dyer forward.

Jermaine Jenas is available again after being ineligible for the FA Cup sixth-round tie with Arsenal last weekend when Clarence Acuna and Jamie McClen proved an effective partnership.

Speed, who picked up his injury in the 3-0 defeat at Liverpool nine days ago, said: "I'm making good enough progress but you have to be careful with hamstrings.

"I don't know about Saturday, but JJ is available and Kieron could come back."