The North-East duo have both been strongly linked with the 29-year-old in Spain - where Luccin is currently with Real Zaragoza.

However, following Zaragoza;s relegation from La Liga, Luccin is now keen to move on and is now considering the Premier League - just 12 months after he shunned a chance to join Birmingham City.

"Clubs are interested in France, in Italy and in England," Luccin told France-Football.

"But we don't know if my club will allow me to leave or ask for a transfer fee. I don't have a particular wish.

"Why not Ligue 1, even if it's a less famous league? There are good teams: Marseille, Paris, Monaco, Bordeaux...

"I was proposed a contract extension [by Atletico Madrid] during the 2006/2007 season but the number of year didn't suit me.

"The directors offered me one more year while I wanted three. It wasn't about wages.

"Then the season started badly at Zaragoza, the atmosphere was not always good in the dressing room and there were factions."