Newcastle United have reportedly sent scouts to watch Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Magpies have been making a concrete effort to beat Manchester United in the race for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
However, the Slovenia international has **ultimately decided to turn down**the Mapgies in favour of a move to Old Trafford.
As a result, Eddie Howe's side appear to be turning their attention elsewhere in their search for a new striker.
According to The Sun, the Magpies are now weighing up whether to pursue a move for Benfica's Pavilidis.
The report claims that Newcastle sent scouts to watch the Greece international in action in Benfica's Champions League qualifier against Nice.
The 26-year-old played 77 minutes before being withdrawn in Benfica's 2-0 win at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday.
Pavlidis is under contract until the summer of 2029, with his deal believed to contain a £87m release clause.
Newcastle are also considering other potential options in their striker search, including Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
Hellas Verona's Jackson Tchatchoua on May 3, 2025
Forest make Tchatchoua approach
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have reportedly identified Hellas Verona right-back Jackson Tchatchoua as a transfer target.
Nuno Espirito Santo can currently call upon Ola Aina and Neco Williams as his right-back options, although the latter tended to operate on the left side last season.
With that in mind, Forest are seemingly on the lookout for someone who can compete with Aina for the right full-back spot.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Forest are showing an interest in signing Tchatchoua from Serie A side Hellas Verona.
The update claims that the Premier League club have made an approach to gather information about the conditions of a potential deal.
Tchatchoua joined Verona on a permanent deal last summer after spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan with the Italian club.
The 23-year-old was a regular fixture in the lineup last season, starting all 36 of his Serie A appearances, chipping in with two goals and three assists.
Tchatchoua, who has made 10 appearances for Cameroon, is under contract with Verona until the summer of 2027.
Southampton playmaker Matheus Fernandes in September 2024.
West Ham plotting Fernandes swoop
Elsewhere, West Ham United have reportedly been interested in signing Southampton star Matheus Fernandes before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.
Fernandes made 36 Premier League appearances for Southampton following his arrival from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon last summer.
The 21-year-old contributed two goals and four assists in the league, but he could not prevent the Saints from finishing bottom of the table with just 12 points to their name.
Despite playing regularly in a struggling side, the Portuguese midfielder is attracting transfer interest in the final month of the summer window.
According to *Football Inside*r, West Ham are plotting a potential move for Fernandes in the latter stages of the transfer market.
Hammers boss Graham Potter is keen to add quality to his midfield options and has seemingly identified Fernandes as one of his top targets.
Southampton are relucant to sanction the player's departure, but they may find it difficult to keep him at St Mary's if Premier League clubs come calling.
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