Newcastle United could 'blow their rivals out of the water' as they look to win the race for Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen and welcome the Dane to St James' Park, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Magpies became the world's richest football club following a £305million takeover led by the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund last October, which means head coach Eddie Howe could splash the cash in the summer.
What's the latest news involving Eriksen?
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle have set their sights on prising Eriksen away from Brentford and making the creative midfielder a flagship signing.
The report suggests Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and West Ham United are also vying for the 111-cap Denmark international's signature, but Magpies officials are growing increasingly hopeful of being able to beat off competition from their Premier League rivals in order to seal the deal.
Manchester United are another club monitoring Eriksen's progress ahead of potentially looking to lure him to Old Trafford.
A number of sides are tracking Eriksen due to the Brentford contract he signed upon his January arrival being set to expire at the end of the season.
However, he could still remain with the Bees as The Times, via MailOnline, have claimed his current employers are keen to extend his deal and believe they are in a strong position to retain his services.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Eriksen?
O'Rourke believes Newcastle are in pole position to win the race for Eriksen's services because they could offer him a more lucrative salary than his other suitors.
West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen and Brighton & Hove Albion's Leandro Trossard have also been added to Howe's list of targets, but O'Rourke feels Eriksen is a more likely summer arrival on Tyneside.
The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "If Christian Eriksen becomes available on a free transfer, I'm sure Newcastle will throw their hat into the ring to try and get him.
"If it comes down to finances, they might be able to blow their rivals out of the water in offering terms to him.
"For me, I think if Christian Eriksen is available on a free transfer, he's probably the most likely out of those three."
Why is Eriksen of interest to Newcastle?
Eriksen has made a sensational return to competitive football after collapsing during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener against Finland less than 12 months ago.
He has become a key component in Brentford's midfield, contributing in the final third, and would be seen by many as a shrewd acquisition considering he was once valued at £90million by Transfermarkt.
Eriksen has plenty of Premier League experience, having appeared in the competition more than 230 times, and also boasts title wins in the Netherlands and Italy.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has described Eriksen as 'incredible', so it is clear he would add another attacking dimension to Howe's midfield.