Newcastle United 'willing' to strike agreement with Leeds target as Magpies 'lose ground' in £8m deal

Andre Ayew is reportedly being considered by Newcastle United following his release from Swansea City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The 31-year-old is without a club after running down his contract at Swansea City where he netted 17 goals as the Welsh club reached the Championship play-off final last month.

United are reportedly willing to strike an agreement with the former West Ham and Marseille man, who is also attracting interest from Leeds and Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Newcastle ‘overtaken’ in Kristoffer Ajer race

Norwich City and Bayer Leverkusen have overtaken Newcastle in the race to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, The Athletic reports.

The Norwegian international is on the Magpies’ summer transfer list, with early speculation suggesting Steve Bruce’s side were lining up an £8million bid.

The transfer saga has since fallen silent but latest speculation claims United are losing ground on Ajer.

Bruce is on the lookout for a central defender this summer with Arsenal’s William Saliba and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak among those shortlisted.

January target set to leave on loan

Manchester United will reportedly allow Brandon Williams to go out on loan this summer after putting the breaks on a January exit.

Newcastle and Southampton were among the clubs to enquire about taking the 20-year-old on loan at the midway point of last season but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kept him as cover.

Williams played just 187 minutes of Premier League football and early signs suggest his game time will become even more restricted with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw above him in the pecking order.

A season-long loan is viewed as the best option for both Williams and the Red Devils, according to the Manchester Evening News.