Newcastle United could 'hijack' transfer as £25m deal on brink of collapse

Newcastle United are said to be interested in hijacking a deal to sign a target of a Premier League rival ahead of Thursday night's transfer deadline. The Magpies have been hard at work trying to create space to allow them to spend money during this window, with Financial Fair Play rules leaving them in a bind.

Eddie Howe's men have struggled with injuries so far this season, while Sandro Tonali's season-long ban certainly hasn't helped. Newcastle have looked short at times this season, although they did manage to give their European qualifcation hopes a boost on Tuesday night with a win over Villa.

Attention now turns to the transfer deadline to see whether the club can manage any business as they continue to wrestle with the regulations, and one report suggests they might move to hijack a deal involving one of their Premier League rivals. Brentford are the club in question, with the Bees reportedly chasing a deal involving Club Brugge star Antonio Nusa.

Reports claim Brentford are hoping to snap up the teenage winger on a £25million deal before sending him back on loan to the Belgian club for the rest of the season. But HLN say Newcastle are 'lurking' amid news that there may be medical complications delaying the Brentford deal.

Chelsea and Tottenham are also said to be interested, but the report says Club Brugge will prioritise Newcastle in negotiations. It's not clear why at this point, but it seems there may be hope for Newcastle. The FFP question remains, but if we see a departure at St James' Park before Thursday night's deadline, there may well be space for an incoming.