Transfer Round-Up: Newcastle to miss out on Mexican free agent, Sunderland to lodge improved offer for Eisa, Middlesbrough linked with Villa duo

Newcastle United have made an approach to Mexican free agent Diego Reyes, but the defender is set to move Turkey instead of switching to the Premier League.

The Magpies are assessing a range of different options, including free agents, and had looked at Reyes as a cut-price way of reinforcing their defence.

The 25-year-old is out of contract after his previous deal at Portuguese side Porto expired, and is keen to remain in Europe rather than returning to his native North America.

However, while West Ham have also made an approach, Fenerbahce are currently leading the race for Reyes and are hoping to wrap up a deal at the start of next week.

Fenerbahce have held advanced talks with Reyes’ representatives, and have made the centre-half one of their leading summer targets.

Newcastle’s main priority at the moment is the purchase of a new striker, and the Magpies have been offered the opportunity to sign Islam Slimani, who spent the second half of last season on loan at St James’ Park.

However, with the Algerian having failed to make much of an impression on Tyneside, Newcastle officials have told Leicester they are not interested in another deal.

West Brom’s Salomon Rondon remains Newcastle’s leading attacking target, although there is a still a reluctance to pay the £16.5m that would automatically trigger the buyout clause in the Venezuelan forward’s contract.

SUNDERLAND

The next 24 hours are set to be crucial to Sunderland’s ongoing pursuit of Mohamed Eisa, with the Black Cats set to lodge a second offer for the Sudanese striker.

Cheltenham rejected Sunderland’s first bid of around £1m earlier this week, and are holding out for at least £1.5m before they agree to sell.

The Black Cats had been reluctant to go that high, but with Portsmouth and Peterborough United still involved in talks of their own, the Sunderland hierarchy are ready to return to the table with an improved offer.

They could increase the overall value of their offer, or may opt to offer more money up front in an attempt to entice Cheltenham into selling.

The League Two club have accepted they will be unable to hold on to Eisa, and opted not to play the 23-year-old in last night’s pre-season friendly with Evesham United. However, their manager, Gary Johnson, was giving little away when he spoke after the game.

Johnson said: “There are always things going on, but I can’t go into anything right now. He’s not injured and we are looking after him, but that’s all I can tell you.”

Sunderland remain confident they will complete a deal for Reading midfielder George Evans, with the Royals ready to accept around £250,000 for the 23-year-old.

Meanwhile, Bryan Oviedo is set to return to training with Sunderland next week, with the Black Cats yet to receive a formal offer for the full-back, who played for Costa Rica at the World Cup in Russia.

MIDDLESBROUGH

With Aston Villa’s financial problems worsening, a number of Villa players have once again been linked with a possible move to Teesside this summer.

Albert Adomah was mentioned as a possible target earlier in the close season, and Villa have now indicated they are willing to accept £5m for the former Boro winger.

It remains to be seen whether Tony Pulis will be interested in paying that sum for a 30-year-old, with Boro’s wing targets likely to be determined by what happens with Adama Traore.

There is still a chance that Traore could be sold this summer, although Boro are yet to receive a single offer for his services. Wolves and Huddersfield have been strongly linked with possible moves, along with a number of clubs on the continent.

Boro have also been linked with Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, who was a key figure in the Villa Park club’s run to the Championship play-off final last season.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth are attempting to sign Boro youngster Marcus Tavernier on a season-long loan.

Tavernier is currently on international duty representing England at the European Under-19 Championships.

OTHER CLUBS

Tottenham are said to have joined the race for Crystal Palace's £60m-rated Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian was reported to be at the top of new Everton boss Marco Silva's target list. According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs are now also plotting a swoop.

The rival part-exchange bids could see spurs offer Moussa Sissoko in a swap, while Everton could put Yannick Bolasie on the table, the paper says.

Meanwhile, The Sun claims Ivory coast star Zaha, 25, wants to leave Selhurst Park - although bosses could hold out for up to £70m.

Arsene Wenger is in contention to become manager of Japan's national team, according to the Daily Mail.

Since leaving the Gunners after 22 years, the Frenchman has been linked with Real Madrid and Paris St Germain.

However, with at least Real now ruled out, speculation over an advance by the Japan FA has emerged.

Several Chinese clubs are also said to fancy the 68-year-old, who reportedly rejected a £30m offer to go to the Far East two years ago.

Wenger successor Unai Emery is ready to sell Danny Welbeck, The Sun reports.

Everton could stump up £15m for the England striker, who has not yet been offered an extension to his contact, which is up in a year.

Goalkeeper David Ospina and forward Lucas Perez could also be put on the market.

Having only scored 15 Premier League goals in four seasons, Welbeck could be passed over for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette in Emery's long-term plans.

Raheem Sterling's calculation that a blinding World Cup would bolster his position in contract talks with Manchester City appears to have backfired, the Daily Mirror reports.

The England star is said to have been seeking improved personal terms to his £170,000-a-week deal, although he delayed talks until after his return from Russia.

While the Three Lions' campaign won plaudits, Sterling's value is said to have remained relatively constant and attention from big international clubs has not been forthcoming.

His contract with City is up in 2020, although he will have to sign an extension before next summer.