Newcastle United table £20m bid for striker

The Echo understands that the club has tabled a bid worth up to £20million for the England international ahead of next weekend’s Premier League season-opener against West Ham United.

Aston Villa, having yesterday had a £15million bid rejected by Bournemouth, have also made an improved offer for the 28-year-old, who reportedly favours a move to Newcastle. Both bids are under consideration at the Championship club.

Meanwhile, the BBC report that United are "close” to a £15million deal for 22-year-old Norwich City left-back Jamal Lewis, who is away on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Winger Ryan Fraser, a free agent after leaving Bournemouth this summer, is already on Tyneside for talks with Newcastle head coach Steve Bruce, who has lost striker Dwight Gayle to a long-term knee injury. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is also sidelined with an ankle injury.