Newcastle United to hijack Everton move for Belgium star as former target joins West Ham United

Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a bid to ‘hijack’ Everton’s move for Belgium international Leander Dendoncker.

The Magpies are keen to add a midfielder to their squad ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline and have been linked with the likes of Ajax star Edson Alvarez and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in recent weeks.

However, Football Insider have suggested Dendoncker is the player they have identified as their chosen target over the next two days.

The former Anderlecht star is now in the final year of his deal at Molineux and has been named as a substitute in Wolves’ last two Premier League games following the club record arrival of Portugal star Matheus Nunes.

That has alerted Everton as they look to strengthen Frank Lampard’s midfield and there have been reports of an unsuccessful £8.5million being lodged over the weekend.

It has been suggested a new offer will be submitted but Newcastle are ready to make their own move for Dendoncker in a bid to beat their Premier League rivals to his signature.

Speaking after Sunday’s draw at Wolves, Magpies manager Eddie Howe confirmed he could make a further move into the transfer market after injuries to a number of his players.

He said: “Maybe, we’ll have a look, and count the bodies, see who we have fit – and then see if we can make a decision in the market.”

One target that will not be moving to Tyneside is Lucas Paquetá after he completed a £60million move to West Ham United.

The Brazil star has been linked with a move to Tyneside ever since United signed former Lyon team-mate Bruno Guimaraes in January.

After putting pen-to-paper on a five-year deal at the London Stadium, Paqueta told the Hammers website: “I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful.

“Last season, West Ham had a very good season and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time at the club.”

Paqueta won’t have to wait long to face Bruno as Newcastle visit the London Stadium on Sunday 11th September.