Newcastle are planning a move to sign Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss following their agreement to bring in Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.

On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior reporter Pete O’Rourke shared details from sources regarding Eddie Howe’s strategy to reinforce his squad late in the summer window.

The manager is preparing for a hectic finish to the window as he looks to improve the squad for their return to Champions League football, with several targets currently under consideration.

This follows comments from former Man United scout Mick Brown, who told Football Insider that both Newcastle and Leeds are keen on El Khannouss ahead of the window closing.

The playmaker had a £30million release clause in his Leicester contract, and although that clause has now expired, a potential transfer is still very much possible.

Marti Cifuentes’ team are willing to sell the attacking midfielder, and there’s growing belief that he is open to returning to the Premier League stage.

Newcastle eye El Khannouss deal amid interest from Leeds and Palace

Football Insider reported on August 16 that Crystal Palace are considering El Khannouss as a possible successor to Eberechi Eze if he moves to Tottenham.

However, the competition will be tough for the Moroccan international, with Newcastle seeing him as a strong candidate to reinforce their attacking midfield options.

O’Rourke stated that multiple bids for the playmaker are expected before the deadline as Leicester face pressure to retain the promising star.

“He’s generated a lot of interest throughout this transfer window,” he told Football Insider.

“He stood out for Leicester during their Premier League campaign last season.

“He’s a clever player with the potential to take a big step forward and become a top performer.

“He’s staying focused despite the transfer rumours, starting Leicester’s opener and registering two assists.

“Newcastle have been monitoring him while working on the Jacob Ramsey deal.

“They might bring in both to add depth in that area of the pitch.

“Eddie Howe needs more options this year due to the demands of Champions League football.

“Leicester are willing to sell, and it’ll be hard to convince him to remain in the Championship with top-flight clubs calling.

“It’s definitely a situation to follow as the window nears its end.

“I think formal bids for El Khannouss are very likely before the window shuts.”

Brentford ready to accept Yoane Wissa bid as successor secured

The Magpies are moving fast with their transfer plans as the deadline approaches, with Ramsey set to join and Wissa now highly likely to follow.

Football Insider reported on August 16 that Newcastle are frontrunners to land Wissa, despite recent “surprise” links with Liverpool.

Brentford have now finalised a move for Bournemouth winger Dango Ouattara, which clears the way for Wissa’s departure.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that Brentford are prepared to accept Newcastle’s latest bid for Wissa as they secure his successor.