Aston Villa and Everton ‘enter race’ for Newcastle United’s £30m transfer target

Newcastle United will face some serious competition as they consider a move for Espanyol and Spain striker Raul De Tomas.

The 27-year-old frontman joined the Catalan club from Portuguese giants Benfica in a £20.25million deal during the January 2020 transfer window and become a firm favourite during the time that has passed.

De Tomas has plundered his way to 45 goals in 89 appearances in all competitions for Espanyol and provided a further six assists for his team-mates over that period.

That has reportedly captured the attention of Newcastle’s recruitment team as they look to provide increased competition for current number nine Callum Wilson and January signing Chris Wood.

However, the Magpies are not the only Premier League club said to be showing an interest in securing a deal worth around £30million for the striker.

West Ham United are described as long-term admirers of De Tomas in a report on Spanish outlet Fichajes and believe they have ‘a great opportunity’ to add the Spanish international to their squad this summer.

Everton are also said to be interested in the striker as they look to replace Brazilian star Richarlison following his move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

And Aston Villa are the fourth and final club keen on De Tomas but they are said to want Espanyol to lower their demands before making an official move.

La Liga duo Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are willing to offer De Tomas an option to remain in Spain, with the striker reportedly willing to wait for a move to the latter during the summer transfer window.

The former Real Madrid player has said little of his future, but did give a hint of what lies ahead during an interview with RAC1 earlier this year.

He said: “There will be clubs that are interested, my own club may want to sell or keep me.

“This is a game. Transfer windows are like this.”