Newcastle hold 'strong interest' in Championship ace amid rival Spurs & Leeds interest

Per John Percy of the Telegraph, Newcastle hold a 'strong interest' in signing Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City this summer. The playmaker is reported to have a release clause in his contract, which is said to be worth £22.5 million ($30m), and there is also interest from Leeds United and, supposedly, Tottenham. 

El Khannouss played 90 minutes as Leicester beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in their opening game of the season, with the 21-year-old laying on the assist for each goal. Last season, he played 32 times in the Premier League, scoring twice and bagging three assists.

Newcastle have had a disappointing summer filled with multiple rejections from the likes of James Trafford, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro; they are also in talks to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan as they look to put their transfer difficulties behind them. There remains speculation over the future of Alexander Isak amid links with Liverpool, however.

Newcastle kick off their season against Aston Villa this weekend.