NEWCASTLE UNITED are set to miss out on the signing of Jan Vertonghen after Tottenham moved into pole position to sign the highly-rated defender.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has been a long-term admirer of the 24-year-old centre-back, but it seems he will have to concede defeat in his quest to bring the Belgian to St James' Park after the north London club reportedly agreed a €12million fee for the Ajax man.

He has been watched by Pardew's backroom staff, including chief scout Graham Carr on a number of occasions, but his performances for the Eredversie side have attracted attention from a host of other clubs.

Spurs and Arsenal have also watched Vertonghen in action with Italian club AC Milan also keen.

With the defender's current deal at Ajax set to expire at the end of next season, the Dutch side will reluctantly let one of their prized assets leave during the close season, but they are holding out for at least £10million.

After securing a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, and it is believed chairman Daniel Levy has already sanctioned a big-money move for the central defender.

With Chelsea in Champions League final action tonight against Bayern Munich, Spurs will hold their breath on a place in next season's competition as a win for the Blues would see the White Hart Lane club drop into the Europa League.

And despite their impressive fifth-place finish in the Premier League, it is unlikely Magpies chairman Mike Ashley will stump up the cash to match Spurs' offer.

Pardew is keen to add to his own defensive options ahead of next season's Europa League campaign and he will now step up his interest in other targets.

FC Twente centre-back Douglas has been identified by Pardew and Carr, while full backs Erik Pieters and Mathieu Debuchy, of PSV Eindhoven and Lille respectively, are also on the radar.

Meanwhile, a young Newcastle squad will compete in the Hong Kong Football Club International Soccer Sevens over the weekend.

Reserve team manager Willie Donachie and the Magpies squad flew out to the Far East on Tuesday to take part in the prestigious tournament alongside Chelsea, Aston Villa and Sunderland.

The squad includes the likes of James Tavernier, Sammy Ameobi and Bradden Inman, as well as 16-year-old Slovakian trialist Lubomir Satka.