AFTER learning one of their leading summer targets is in talks over a move to Germany, Newcastle United are bracing themselves for a bid from big-spending Monaco for influential midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

The Magpies had identified St Etienne’s Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang as their main striking target to replace Demba Ba, but the Gabon international revealed over the weekend he is in talks with both Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkuson.

And now, in a further blow, the Magpies’ resolve to keep French international Cabaye could be tested.

Several members of Alan Pardew’s first-team squad have been linked with big money moves away from St James’ Park with Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse all attracting interest.

Newcastle managed to get through last summer without losing any of their prize assets, but the situation has changed and, although it would take considerable fees for owner Mike Ashley to sell, the likelihood of them retaining everyone has diminished.

Monaco, who won the French second division title last week, have already outlined their intentions in Ligue 1 next season having spent £110m on three players.

Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez have already signed, but their summer shopping spree doesn’t appear to be letting up with Russian billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev bankrolling them.

Cabaye has attracted interest from clubs in England and abroad since joining the Magpies in a deal worth £4.5m and it is understood Tottenham tried to sign the former Lille man last summer.

Paris St Germain are also long-term admirers, and they have also expressed an interest in buying Ben Arfa.

After featuring for France at Euro 2012, Cabaye missed a chunk of last season through injury and even when fit he failed to recapture the form he enjoyed in his first season on Tyneside.

However, the Magpies aren’t interested in selling Cabaye and it is likely they will take a similar stand to the one which met Anzhi’s interest in Cisse.

While the bulk of the Newcastle squad enjoy their summer breaks, Pardew is working on potential summer signings.

With captain Fabricio Collocini’s future still uncertain, the Magpies boss is looking for replacements should the Argentinean follow through on his wish to leave Tyneside.

Reading’s Alex Pearce has emerged as a possible candidate, but they would face competition from a number of clubs, including Liverpool, for the centre-back West Ham owner David Gold has reiterated that the club are not interested in selling James Tomkins.