Everton are prepared to battle Newcastle United over the signing of Dennis Praet from Sampdoria, according to The Times, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Newcastle were the front-runners in signing Praet but Everton have now joined the race for the Belgian midfielder.
Despite signing Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson as well as already having Morgan Schneiderlin, Idrissa Gueye and Mohamed Besic, Everton want to add to their midfield as Gareth Barry has left to join West Brom and Ross Barkley looks likely to leave, as well as James McCarthy.
Praet didn’t do too well in his debut season for Sampdoria after signing for €10 million from Anderlecht. Praet made 32 appearances for the Serie A side last campaign, scoring once and assisting once.
The Magpies will be very keen to sign Praet after a slow summer transfer window, which has frustrated Newcastle faithful as well as manager, Rafa Benitez.
