Newcastle are challenging Juventus for FC Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan.
Juve had scouts posted to check on Spertsyn in action for Armenia against Latvia on Thursday.
However, Newcastle are also interested in the attacking midfielder, says TMW.
Spertsyn recently stated: "Yes (I want to play in Europe soon). I've got to fight and work (for it). I don't want to leave here by running away or with a helicopter!
I like being here. But I want to try to go to Europe while I have the chance, I don't know what can happen there. I'm confident and I think I can do it, I mean, achieve even bigger goals."