Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear admits he could bid £10million for Stephane Mbia - who has told skysports.com he is just concentrating on playing for Rennes.
Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Mbia stated he would not be commenting on Newcastle's offer.
The Magpies bid £5million earlier this week - a bid which was shunned by Rennes, and they insist they want the Cameroonian star to stay put.
But Kinnear has now hinted he could be ready to up his bid, and he is set to watch the all-action midfielder in action on Sunday when Rennes take on Lille.
Speaking to skysports.com, Mbia - who Everton failed to land in the summer - said: "I don't have anything to say about any bid.
"What I know most is that Premier League clubs are interested in me, I am at Rennes at the moment, so it is between the teams."
Kinnear was speaking after Newcastle's defeat at Blackburn and he admitted he could be ready to table a very big offer for Mbia.
"I have never been a manager who has just blown money. Mbia is my first choice, he is something that we need," he insisted.
"If Geremi leaves I might put all my eggs in one basket, cancel the loan players I was considering and pay £10million for one player."
Kinnear is also set to take the chance to cast his eye over Lille stopper Adil Rami.
Hungary for signing
Skysports.com also understands that Hungarian starlet Andras Gosztonyi is on his way to Tyneside.
The 18-year-old is set to spend a week on trial at St James' Park.
The MTK forward is hoping to seal a move to Newcastle, where he would join fellow countryman Tamas Kadar - who joined the club last season.
Why cancel the loan signings?