NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to pull off a French double in this summer by completing deals for Toulouse pair Cheick M’Bengue and Franck Tabanou.

Manager Alan Pardew is also keen to add a couple of international- class strikers after heading on his own scouting trip to France.

With just two games remaining of the Premier League season, Pardew has stepped up his search to find suitable candidates to add to the Magpies’ squad.

Sources across the English Channel suggest that youngsters M’Bengue and Tabanou are among those to have been targeted by Newcastle.

The Magpies are believed to have already discussed fees for the two players, with M’Benque last night encouraging Newcastle to step up their attempts to sign him.

The left-back, who could be a replacement for Jose Enrique if the Spaniard refuses to sign a new deal, said: “It’s pleasing. I have heard about it but the club have refused the offer.

“At the moment I’m not too bothered, I have an agent to look after that and he looks after my interests very well.

We must see what happens.

“As it stands I’m a Toulouse player and the decision doesn’t come down to me alone.

I’m contracted until 2014 with Toulouse. If one day I must move it will be with the support of my club.”

It could be that Newcastle would have to pay more than £10m for the two players, with M’Bengue and Tabanou both rated at around the £7m mark.

The latter is a left-midfielder, who can also play at fullback, and is under contract for a further two years.

But with Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and West Ham all credited with an interest, Pardew knows he must act fast.

Strikers are also a priority for Newcastle who have ruled out moves for Championship hot-shots Danny Graham and Jay Borthroyd.

Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time, although the prospect of his valuation continuing to rise could prevent Newcastle from landing him.

Tottenham have also watched Gameiro, with Newcastle and Sunderland known to have been keeping an eye on the £14m man’s situation.

Pardew is keen to keep his options open and has a list of strikers to turn to if his first choice targets prove unattainable.

But, contrary to reports, it is understood that £5m-rated Graham and Bothroyd are no longer under consideration despite the fact both are available at the right price this summer and have been watched by the Magpies.

Newcastle are in need of additions before next season and the last 48 hours have further highlighted that need.

Both captain Kevin Nolan and goalkeeper Steve Harper will miss the final two games, against Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.

Nolan underwent ankle surgery yesterday in an attempt to ensure he will be fit to start the next campaign.

Nolan will be a miss to the midfield after scoring 12 times this season – the first time he has hit double figures in a topflight campaign. His absence has increased the pressure on Pardew to field Cheik Tiote despite the player being just one more caution away from a three-match ban.

If Tiote is not risked then Alan Smith could make his comeback.

Harper, meanwhile, will have a knee operation today but is expected to be fit for the start of pre-season.