Newcastle Must Compete with Fulham to Sign Brazilian-Born Defender

Newcastle United will have to contest with Premier League rivals Fulham in order to complete a deal for FC Twente defender Douglas.

The Brazilian-born centre-back has finally been given permission by the chairman of the Dutch club to move before the end of the transfer window, and it seems a move to the Premier League is increasingly likely.

Newcastle have been consistently linked with Douglas throughout the summer as Alan Pardew has struggled to bolster his squad. The former West Ham boss has managed to land just two players in the transfer window, despite working hard to land the likes of Luuk de Jong and Mathieu Debuchy.

Once again it will not be an easy task for Pardew as Fulham are also now keen to sign the defender who will become a Dutch citizen next week after five years of residency.

"The clubs (Newcastle and Fulham) have expressed an interest," FC Twente chairman Joop Munsterman told the Shields Gazette. "If a proper offer is made, we will sell him, because he will leave next year on a free transfer."

Douglas has refused to sign a new contract at the Dutch club and it seems they are now ready to cash-in on the player, rather than losing him on a free next summer.

Fulham boss Martin Jol has also had a relatively quiet summer and has made just two signings in Hugo Rodallega and Mladen Petric.

The west London club have made a blistering start to the Premier League, winning their opening day fixture 5-0 thanks to two goals from new signing Petric.

However, Newcastle will hope that their constant pursuit of Douglas will convince the defender to make the move to the North East where he will also be able to play in the Europa League.