Newcastle and Southampton are set to fight it out for Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgium international has only spent one season at Vicente Calderon, but is thought to be angling for a move away after being considered a back-up to Miranda and Diego Godin.
Ronald Koeman’s Southampton were said to be the favourites to land the former Ajax man on a season-long loan.
However, the Northern Echo has insisted that Alan Pardew’s side will make an 11th hour bid for Alderweireld.
The transfer deadline in England ends at 23.00 UK time, but a move to either team is expected before that time.
