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(Credit: Imago, Getty Images)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 17 August 2025 11:39, UK

Newcastle are plotting a move to sign Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss following their agreement to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Eddie Howe’s plans to strengthen his squad late in the summer window.

The boss is planning a busy end to the window as he aims to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to Champions League football, with multiple targets on their radar.

This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle and Leeds are interested in El Khannouss late in the window.

Newcastle are interested in signing Bilal El Khannouss.

(Credit: Imago)

The attacking midfielder had a £30million release clause in his contract at the King Power Stadium, and while that is now said to have expired, a deal is not off the cards.

Marti Cifuentes‘ side are prepared to cash in on the attacking midfielder, while there is a growing belief that he is open to a return to the Premier League.

Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Crystal Palace are interested in El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Eberechi Eze should he join Tottenham.

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However, they will face extensive competition for the Morocco international as Newcastle have identified him as a potential option to bolster their attacking midfield ranks.

O’Rourke explained that offers for the attacking midfielder are expected to arrive before the end of the window as Leicester face a battle to keep hold of him.

“He’s a player who has attracted a lot of interest this summer,” he told Football Insider.

“He was one of Leicester’s shining lights in the Premier League last season.

“He’s a very smart operator and he’s got potential to move on to a bigger club and become a big player for them in the future.

“He isn’t letting the speculation effect him at the moment, he started for Leicester in their opening game of the season and got a couple of assists as well.

Eddie Howe’s side are stepping up their transfer plans.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

“Newcastle have been looking at him while pursuing Jacob Ramsey.

“They could potentially sign both to strengthen the squad in that position.

“Eddie Howe needs a bigger squad this season with Champions League football to contend with.

“Leicester are open to selling him and they’ll face a real battle to convince him to stay in the Championship if he does have Premier League offers.

“It’s one to keep an eye on before the end of the window.

“I expect offers to come in for El Khannouss before the end of the window.”

The Magpies are accelerating their transfer plans late in the window, with Ramsey on the way, and they now look increasing likely to sign Yoane Wissa.

Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Newcastle are leading the race for Wissa despite “surprise” reported interest from Liverpool in recent days.

Newcastle could now complete the signing of Yoane Wissa.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Brentford have officially completed a deal to sign Bournemouth star Danga Ouattara, which has now opened the door to the forward’s departure.

This comes after Football Insider revealed that Newcastle’s latest offer for Wissa will be accepted as the Bees close in on signing his replacement.

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