Newcastle in off-the-pitch battle with Liverpool over robust Uruguayan star with €60 million release clause

It's a big night on Tyneside as Newcastle United look to cement their Champions League push against Brighton.

The meeting at St James' Park is the Magpies' game in hand over chasers Liverpool and three points would be a huge boost and calm any worries that Jurgen Klopp's side could spoil the Geordie party.

Ahead of kick-off, NewcastleWorld looks at some of the latest transfer rumours surrounding Newcastle United.

Newcastle bettling Liverpool for robust Uruguayan midfielder

Newcastle United and Liverpool are currently locked in a Premier League battle but the two clubs could also be competing off-the-pitch.

Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha has reported that the Magpies and the Reds are weighing up a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Newcastle and Liverpool are both said to be sending scouts to watch the 22-year-old who has a €60 million release clause in his contract.

The talented Uruguayan is a robust defensive midfielder with Champions League experience and was an unused substitute in all of his national side's World Cup fixtures last winter.

Newcastle ‘close to completing’ move for versatile full-back

Turkish newspaper Aksam reports that Newcastle United are 'close to completing' a move for versatile Fenerbahçe defender Ferdi Kadıoğlu after scouting the star on more than one occasion this year.

The promising 23-year-old can play on either flank as a full-back, as well as a winger, which would give Eddie Howe an extra option for a busy fixture calendar next season.

Fenerbahçe have set an asking price of €20m for the Turkey international, who has three goals and three assists this season.

Aksam has not linked any other clubs with the signing of Kadıoğlu, suggesting that should Eddie Howe truly want the star, there would be little standing in his way.