Newcastle really like £34m player, but he is now signing for West Ham

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For a long time, Edson Alvarez has been on Newcastle United’s radar. Now he is on his way to the Premier League, but not to sign for the Magpies.

With less than a week to go until the new Premier League season kicks off, West Ham United are finally closing in on their first signing of the summer, as they look set to land the Declan Rice replacement that they are desperate for.

It has been a miserable summer for the Hammers so far, that has included missing out on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle.

But their main priority has been a centre-midfielder following the £105million departure of Rice. They have tried and failed to bring in James Ward-Prowse, but it looks like they are going to be more successful with their interest in Alvarez.

Edson Alvarez to sign for West Ham

According to Fabrizio Romano, Alvarez is going to leave Ajax and sign for West Ham. He states that David Moyes’ side have agreed a deal worth between £34million and £35million for the Mexico international, who has already agreed personal terms with the Hammers.

He will now fly to London for a medical in the next 24 hours before putting pen to paper on his West Ham contract.

The deal is great news for Moyes, who will have been incredibly frustrated by the club’s slow progress in the transfer market.

But while it is joy for West Ham, it is disappointment for Newcastle, who are set to see a long-term target join a Premier League rival.

Newcastle really liked Alvarez

While he was not a major target this summer, Alvarez has been on Newcastle’s radar over the past 12 months.

He was heavily linked this time last year, with the Magpies asking Ajax about a possible deal for the 25-year-old. However, it was stated that a move to St James’ Park was unlikely.

But with Newcastle still looking for a defensive midfielder, he was once again mentioned as a possible target during the January transfer window alongside Youri Tielemans. In the end, neither moved to the North East.

This summer saw Newcastle go all in on Sandro Tonali, but earlier in the year there was talk of a fresh move for Alvarez. It was claimed that he is ‘well-liked’ by the club, and now they will have the chance to see him up close.

However, that is because he is going to be playing against Newcastle, with Alvarez now closing in on a move to West Ham.