Newcastle United ‘launch’ £25m bid for Manchester United-linked star

Newcastle United have reportedly made an unsuccessful bid to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.

Reports in Mexico claim the Magpies submitting an initial offer worth around £25million over the last week - but the Dutch giants will only consider a deal if they receive a bid nearing the £35million-mark.

Mexican outlet TUDN have suggested Alvarez has been targeted by several ‘large clubs’ around Europe and suggested talks are continuing as Newcastle ‘seek an agreement’.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder started his career in his home country with Club America before joining Ajax in a £13.5million during the summer of 2019.

Since moving to the Netherlands, Alvarez has helped Ajax claim two Eredivisie titles and was part of the side that beat Vitesse Arnhem in the KNVB Cup Final last year.

Alvarez has worked under current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during his time at Ajax and he was reportedly being lined up to follow his former boss to Old Trafford this summer.

The midfielder brought praise from Ten Hag last year after he delivered an impressive display in a 3-0 home win against Groningen.

The current Red Devils manager said: “He interrupted so many counterattacks and makes himself so constructively playable every time. An opponent then has to make an effort to get out and that also frees up other positions.

“He̵ is so valuable to our team in terms of remaining defense and when changing opponents, but you can also use his head as a central defender. That means he’s important to us both defensively and offensively.”

Newcastle are believed to be hoping to add two new faces to Eddie Howe’s squad before the summer transfer window closes a week on Thursday.