Newcastle United compete with Arsenal for a top-tier defender, while Tottenham Hotspur attempt to steal a bargain £13 million deal.

The most recent Premier League transfer news, including Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and others.

The report of a three-way battle for potential attacker Samuel Illing-Junior kicks off Thursday’s Premier League transfer rumour round-up. The 20-year-old is currently under contract with Juventus, but has battled for playing time this season and may look for more first-team opportunities elsewhere in the near future.

As a result, Everton and Villa have been made aware of his prospective availability, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that both are interested in signing the Englishman. They may face opposition from Tottenham, according to The Independent, who claims that Spurs may try to hijack any potential £13 million deal.

The 3AM Verdict: Illing-Junior has shown flashes of promise in Italy, but he has clearly reached the point in his career when he needs to be playing senior football on a regular basis. Spurs, Villa, or Everton would all be delighted to have him, and the possibility of him playing in the Premier League is thrilling.

Newcastle United are reportedly scouting Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. The Ivorian is proving to be a hot target for Premier League clubs at the moment, with reports claiming that Arsenal and Chelsea are both interested in him.

The Magpies, according to Portuguese source Record, had agents in attendance at Sunday’s Lisbon derby between Sporting and Benfica, with a’report’ created on the brash 19-year-old. According to the update, Diomande has attracted interest from Italy and Germany, but his’most likely’ destination remains the Premier League.

The 3AM Verdict: Newcastle do need additional bodies at the heart of their defence, and if they are going to bring in reinforcements in the near future, why not bring in one of the most promising young prospects in continental football? Diomande is already an Ivory Coast international and a Sporting CP regular, and if he continues on his current path, he has the potential to become a genuine world level player.