Report: Premier League rivals now looking to scupper Newcastle's move for long-term £50m target

Newcastle United have had many a scouting mission to Italy over the past months to cast their eye over on particular player.

Since before the January transfer window, Newcastle scouts have been attending Atalanta games to keep an eye on Brazilian midfielder Ederson with a January move mooted but never coming to fruition.

The 24-year-old defensive midfielder has been high on Newcastle's wish list for a while but after an impressive performance in the Europa League final during Atalanta's 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, there may well be a lot more competition for his signature.

Indeed, reports in Italy via Tuttosport are suggesting that while Liverpool's scouts were in Italy running the rule over Teum Koopmeiners they were extremely impressed with Ederson and may now enter the race to sign him.

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Newcastle were contemplating a January move for Ederson

That could be a crushing blow for Newcastle who would already struggle to sign a Europa League winner this season without European football to offer, but now he could have the chance to join a Champions League side.

In the run-up to the January transfer window it was believed Newcastle were preparing a £50million bid for Ederson, but the last we heard, and what indeed proved to be true, was that Newcastle did not want him "this month" - that being in January.

After his Europa League performance, we'd be surprised if £50million would seal the deal now, especially given the fact he still has three years left on his deal at Atalanta.

Newcastle may now miss out on another top target

With Liverpool's sudden interest and the inevitable price increase, this is another one that may be beyond Newcastle's reach this summer.

The Magpies are aiming high with some of their transfer links, but with no European football to offer and Financial Fair Play still a thing, it could be another frustrating window for the Toon Army.

Or are we still just feeling the negative effects of that soul-crushing end to the season and everything is going to be fine?