Newcastle United 'in the race' for Manchester United transfer target amid Joe Gomez claim

Here is your 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder João Palhinha has been attracting attention from a host of European heavyweights, with Manchester United among those linked.

Now, the latest reports indicate scouts from Newcastle United were among those in attendance to watch the 26-year-old in action earlier this month against Porto.

Portuguese title Jornal de Notícias via Sport Witness claim the midfielder has 'many interested' clubs in England, with Sporting said to be holding out for more than €30m.

Palhinha had previously been cited in reports as a potential alternative to January signing Bruno Guimaraes on Tyneside.

Newcastle United secured the signing of boyhood fan Dan Burn in January following unsuccessful pursuits for Sven Botman and Diego Carlos.

Eddie Howe's side have improved defensively in recent weeks - registering two clean sheets in their last four matches - but further additions at the back are expected in the summer.

Joe Gomez made his first Premier League start in 486 days in Liverpool's victory over Norwich City at the weekend, with the 24-year-old so far struggling to displace Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk.

The England international is approaching the final two years of his contract at Anfield, and the Athletic report the Magpies as well as Aston Villa are 'likely to be near the front of the queue' should Liverpool sanction a summer sale.