The Magpies are believed to have been tracking the 23-year-old all summer, with a report in France claiming Sochaux president Alexandre Lacombe has had several phone conversations with Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias over the player.
“There has been an offer from them,” Lacombe told French newspaper L’Alsace.
“But my goal is to maintain a competitive team. I will not sell Modibo without having found a replacement.”
One attacking player who could be heading to the Montbeliard club from England is Leeds United winger Max Gradel.
Lacombe added on the 23-year-old: “We hope to do a deal. It’s at an advanced stage.”