AS Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen are seeking to steal a march on Premier League duo Crystal Palace and Sunderland in the chase for Soualiho Meite.
The 22-year-old Lille midfielder is currently on loan at Zulte Waregem where he has made 25 league appearances so far this term.
His form has impressed both Sunderland and Palace, who are both said to have made contact about a possible move to England.
Liverpool and Everton have also been linked with Meite in the past but, according to reports in Belgium, it is the admirers from France and Germany who are best placed to sign him.