Exclusive: Newcastle working on deal to beat Everton to signing after £25m bid

Newcastle United have joined Everton and Fulham in the hunt to sign Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey, Football Insider understands.

This site broke the news yesterday that Carlo Ancelotti's men were readying a bid of £25million for the 22-year-old after they made him their top defensive target in the final week of the window.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Steve Bruce is also keen to add the England under-21 international to his ranks and that the Magpies are working on their own deal to prise him from Carrow Road.

Newcastle are in the market for a new centre-back despite currently having five on their books, with the likes of Ciaran Clark, Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett all still on the comeback trail after their respective long-term injuries.

As revealed by Football Insider, the Magpies were close to sealing a loan move for Arsenal's Rob Holding at the same time they were working on deals for Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser.

However, the 25-year-old has established himself as a regular under Mikel Arteta in the early stages of the new season and as such Newcastle have turned their attentions to Godfrey.

The Norwich star joined the Canaries from York City back in 2016 and has become a star player for Daniel Farke in the last two seasons, with 78 appearances under his belt for the club.

He played 30 times in the Premier League last season and was a standout performer with his performances despite the club's relegation.

The centre-back has been an ever-present at Carrow Road in the Championship so far this term.

In other Newcastle United news, Alan Hutton has been left fuming after a confession from Steve Bruce.