Marseille have joined Newcastle United in pursuing Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet, according to Sampnews24.com.
The Belgian international reportedly has a release clause of just €20m (approximately £18m), and the Italian club are believed to be concerned that the buyout fee does not match what the 23 year old is currently worth.
Calciomercato.com revealed yesterday that the Magpies were interested in the central midfield player but said Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero is determined to keep the player, at least until next summer.
Praet joined the Serie A side in August 2016 from Anderlecht for £9m. He did not have the most productive of seasons last campaign, having played 34 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. This season, the Belgian has begun to demonstrate his talents with three assists in his last three games.
The midfielder has one cap for Belgium, coming back in November 2014 when he featured in a 3-1 friendly win against Iceland.
