West Brom have been tracking Portugal midfielder Carvalho for weeks.

The Baggies had scouts sent to watch the Sporting Lisbon star in action last month.

It was claimed manager Tony Pulis was ready to sanction a £30million swoop for the 25-year-old.

But Newcastle have emerged as rival suitors and are working hard on a deal themselves.

That is according to the Birmingham Mail, who claim West Brom already failed to sign Carvalho last summer due to Sporting's demands.

It is reported that Sporting may want as much as £39m for their star man this summer - three times as much as West Brom's record transfer fee.

Euro 2016 winner Carvalho played 42 games for club and country this season, picking up 11 yellow cards.

He progressed up the Sporting youth system and enjoyed an 18-month stint at Cercle Bruges before returning to Lisbon in 2013 and heading straight into the first team.

Newcastle, back in the Premier League under Rafa Benitez, have owner Mike Ashley's backing to spend money this summer.

The Toon have been linked with a large number of players, including Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.

Benitez has already snapped up Christian Atsu from his former club after the Stamford Bridge outfit allowed the winger to head to Tyneside for talks.

However, Newcastle also face a battler to retain their top men, with Vurnon Anita supposedly wanted at Napoli.

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