Newcastle are in talks to beat West Ham to the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, according to the Mail.
The newspaper claim that the north-east giants are working on a deal that would take the England number one to St James’ Park on a season-long loan.
The Mail report that West Ham want to put a similar package together for the 30-year-old as both clubs are reluctant to offer the permanent deal that City are holding out for.
Newcastle’s sustained interest comes at a time when the Mirror reported last night (Thursday) that the east Londoners are hoping to sign the keeper within the next 24 hours.
Manager Slaven Bilic is keen to wrap up the deal as soon as possible and station a proven Premier League performer, who has two titles under his belt, in goal next season.
Newcastle have a number of senior keepers on their books, including Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot, but manager Rafael Benitez is reportedly after someone with greater top-level pedigree.
The Mail report that Hart is keen to keep his options open due to the possibility that Manchester United and Chelsea could be in the market for a new number one if either David de Gea or Thibaut Courtois were to leave in the next 18 months.
West Ham appear to be stepping up their interest in bringing new faces to the London Stadium next season amid reports that they are closer in on a new striker signing, with a deal in progress to sign Marko Arnautovic from Stoke.
The Hammers have only managed to snap up full-back Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer during the summer transfer window.
Hart has spent a decade at the Manchester club but he has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola and spent last season on loan at Serie A club Torino.
He has two years remaining on his City contract.