It is no secret that Newcastle United are lining up a summer move for Brazilian defender Douglas, but Tottenham Hotspur’s own defensive transfer plans could well put a spanner in the works for the Magpies.

According to the Sunday Express, Newcastle are planning a £4 million move for the FC Twente defender in the close season, but Tottenham’s potential swoop for Ajax centre back Jan Vertonghen could see the Amsterdam club move for Douglas as a replacement.

Newcastle have also been linked with Belgian defender Vertonghen in the past, but with the player valued at £8m, that would seemingly be a bit steep for the Magpies and Spurs could trump them in any move.

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24-year-old Douglas would provide much better value for Alan Pardew and Chief Scout Graham Carr has liked what he’s seen from the centre back whose contract runs out in the summer.

FC Twente manager Steve McClaren would still hold a 12-month option on Douglas despite the expiration of the Brazilian’s contract, but any transfer fee would be the right side of the £5m mark.

Both Douglas and Vertonghen could swap Dutch football for the Premier League this summer, but it could depend on who qualifies for the Champions League, with Tottenham currently just three points ahead of Newcastle.

If Newcastle were to squeeze into the top four or even seal a place in the Europa League for next season, then the draw of English football could be too much for Douglas to turn down.

A source close to Douglas is also previously quoted as saying “It’s not a case of if Douglas wants to play in the Premier League – it’s simply when. He’s told the manager he wants to go.”

That could well be this summer, but Tottenham’s summer spending could yet hinder Newcastle’s transfer plans.

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