Graeme Souness is set to bring in new faces, and out-of-favour Lens defender Yoann Lachor is expected to join Newcastle later this week.
The 29-year-old Frenchman is currently undergoing a trial with the Magpies and should sign a permanent deal once he passes a medical at St James' Park. Lachor, whose contract with the Ligue 1 outfit ends in June this year, has been with Lens for nine years but has made just three appearances this season.
Lens' sporting director Francis Collado : "In Yoann's interest we will not go against his departure if we find an agreement that suits everyone. This trial with Newcastle was agreed between all parties, Yoann, the English club, the player's agent, we the managers and (coach) Francis Gillot.
"This is no problem for us if Yoann leaves us rapidly. We are working on a few targets to replace him."