Arouna Kone: Newcastle in talks with Wigan striker

Newcastle have held talks with Arouna Kone's representatives with a view to signing the Wigan striker.

Both the Magpies and Everton have met the release clause of around £6m in the 29-year-old's contract.

"They have both made the offer that could buy Arouna," said Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.

"We gave permission for Everton to speak to him and our first thought was that's where he wanted to go but Newcastle have now come in."

The final decision will now be left to the player, with a decision expected in the next couple of days.

Kone scored 11 Premier League goals for last season's FA Cup winners who were relegated to the Championship.

Wigan's new manager Owen Coyle said on Monday: "I'm led to believe through his representative that Everton is the club he wants to join.

"It's not rocket science to say that Kone will probably leave at some point this week. There have been a number of offers in for him.

"There is no problem. He goes with our blessing because I need players who need to be at Wigan. If his heart's elsewhere then he's no good to me."

Kone signed a three-year contract when he joined Wigan from Levante last summer and was part of the side that won the club's first major trophy when they beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.