'Favourites' named in Newcastle and Coventry race to agree Fikayo Tomori deal
Newcastle United are currently leading the race to sign AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori this summer.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the England international would be open to a move to St James' Park.
This comes amid the news that Milan are ready to sell the 28-year-old this summer, ahead of his contract expiring in June 2027.
Wyness believes that the defender would be open to a move to St James' Park, amid a growing effort from the Magpies' PIF ownership to add big names to their squad.
The Tynesiders have already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali this summer, and are "desperate" to bring in some players with big reputations as a result.
Newcastle are set to face a battle to sign Tomori from Coventry City, but Wyness has no doubt that they are leading the charge at the moment.
Newcastle may have to 'overpay' for Fikayo Tomori
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Newcastle will need to make a significant financial commitment to sign Tomori.
He feels that their struggles in the market of late will have other clubs looking to exploit them at every opportunity.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained that Newcastle may have to "overpay" to get their move for Tomori over the line.
"Well, I think Newcastle are probably favourites at the moment, but don't underestimate that Lampard personal connection. Tomori certainly fancies himself as being above a Coventry situation though," Wyness said.
"I think he's got this feeling that Newcastle could be the home. They're desperate to get some names and show the fans that they're doing something, and Tomori could be the right financial structure for them to get him on board.
"I've got a feeling that the ego and his positioning of himself feel he should go to Newcastle, where he could become a hero. So let's see how that pans out.
"It's between those two (clubs). I think Newcastle will have to probably slightly overpay."
Frank Lampard still battling for Tomori deal
Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Frank Lampard is "working really hard" to convince Tomori to move to Coventry this summer.
The former Chelsea defender was a key player under the Sky Blues' boss during his stints at both Derby County and Stamford Bridge.
Lampard is keen to spark a reunion with his former star this summer, as the Midlands outfit bid to make a push for Premier League survival.
The newly promoted outfit are not the favourites for Tomori's signature at the moment, but Wyness believes that with Lampard's influence, they cannot be ruled out of the race.