According to The Athletic, Newcastle United head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, has personally tracked Ajax star Edson Alvarez, who is of interest to Graham Potter’s Chelsea as well.
The Athletic have reported that Newcastle have been tracking Alvarez, who can operate as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder.
However, the Magpies are facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has reported on Twitter that Chelsea have made the 24-year-old Mexico international their priority target in midfield.
Newcastle United or Chelsea for Edson Alvarez of Ajax?
In our view, Chelsea will be ahead of Premier League rivals Newcastle United in the race for Ajax star Edson Alvarez.
Yes, we know that Newcastle are a big and established club in the Premier League, but Chelsea are bigger and are a global brand.

A move to Chelsea would be much more tempting to the Mexican star than a transfer to Newcastle.
The Blues regularly challenge for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, and also pay their players good salaries.
Stats
Alvarez has made six appearances in the Eredivisie for Ajax so far this season.
The 24-year-old has given two assists in those matches.
The Mexican star has also scored one goal in two UEFA Champions League matches so far this campaign.
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