Newcastle United are reportedly contemplating a late swoop for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Leander Dendoncker, although they face competition from rival Premier League clubs for his signature.

What's the word?

According to Chris Waugh, a move for the 27-year-old - as well as Leicester City's Youri Tielemans - could be on the cards before the transfer window closes.

The Athletic reporter revealed on Twitter: "Not expecting #NUFC to be massively busy with incomings but they've been trying for a midfielder & could move if someone like Tielemans or Dendoncker becomes available. Dubravka set to leave, as is Matty Longstaff."

However, the Belgian is also said to be attracting interest from West Ham United, while Aston Villa are currently said to be "winning the race" for his signature, as per journalist Mike McGrath.

McTominay alternative

A new midfield addition has seemingly been a possibility for the Magpies throughout the summer, with Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay one name who had been previously mentioned as top-flight clubs circle for the 25-year-old following the Red Devils' capture of Casemiro.

With no indication since then that the Scotland international will depart Old Trafford, the Tynesiders will likely have to look for alternatives, with the aforementioned Dendoncker seemingly an ideal option instead of the Manchester United man.

The two are noted as similar players according to Football Transfers, with both the Belgian and McTominay imposing figures in the centre of the park at 6 foot 2 and 6 foot 3 respectively.

The pair also boast a similar goalscoring record at their respective clubs, with the Old Gold ace having scored 12 goals and provided four assists for his current employers in 159 games, while the Old Trafford academy graduate has scored 16 goals and provided four assists in 174 matches across all fronts.

However, Dendoncker could well be a more astute capture - particularly for a reported fee of just £12m - as he has outperformed his counterpart defensively so far this season, averaging 2.3 interceptions per game while McTominay has averaged just 1.5 interceptions per match.

The former Anderlecht man has failed to start the last two league games following the arrival of Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon, though, with his fall down the pecking order potentially allowing Newcastle manager Eddie Howe to pounce.