Big claims from France: Newcastle hijack player's proposed move to West Ham - RMC Sport

According to reports in France, Newcastle United have stepped up their attempts to sign PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

This comes from RMC Sport, who claim the club have 'taken steps' to beat West Ham to a permanent move by opening talks with the 29-year-old stopper.

The report insists that the Hammers remain 'in the running', however it seems we've made a late attempt to hijack his proposed move to the London Stadium.

Sky Sports revealed earlier today that the former Real Madrid goalkeeper was closing in on a move to West Ham, who have an option to sign him for £11m following a loan spell last season.

However, after The Mail released a piece last week naming Newcastle as a club showing late interest, RMC Sport now claim that we're pushing to bring the France international to St James' Park.

Considering Areola is 29 - a good age for a goalkeeper - better with the ball at his feet than Martin Dubravka and available for considerably less than the likes of Dean Henderson, this could be a smart move from Newcastle.