Diarra on Newcastle radar

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Magpies are yet to table an offer for the 22-year-old France international, but have made an enquiry about a player who has been in their sights for some time.

Former boss Glenn Roeder tried to bring the then Chelsea player to St James' Park during his time in charge, and now Allardyce is ready to test Arsene Wenger's resolve to hang on to him.

However, the city's evening newspaper, the Evening Chronicle, is reporting that Portsmouth are also on the former Le Havre man's trail.

Diarra joined the Gunners during the final hours of the summer transfer window, but has made only 13 appearances to date - and just eight of them starts.

However, he has played twice against Newcastle this season, featuring for the full 90 minutes of a 2-0 Carling Cup third round victory for the Londoners at the Emirates Stadium in September and then in a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw on Tyneside last month.