Newcastle United have launched an official bid for Wolves centre-back Dion Sanderson, according to reports.
The 21-year-old spent the recent campaign on loan with Sunderland in League One.
He made 26 appearances, scoring one goal, with his impressive displays alerting the attention of Premier League scouts.
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Sunderland started the transfer race earlier this month by submitting a £1million bid for Sanderson.
According to the Daily Mail, rivals Newcastle have now launched an increased offer worth £1.5million.
However, Wolves are expected to reject the bid as they aim to receive at least £2million for the player’s services.
Sanderson is rated highly at Molineux but is on the verge of leaving in search of game time.
He has played just once for the first team since being promoted from their academy back in 2018.
Newcastle and Sunderland aren’t the only teams to be monitoring his situation.
Back in March, it was revealed that Crystal Palace and Brighton were also interested in the Englishman.
They were joined by Sheffield United in the hunt, although the Blades’ relegation to the Championship has reduced their chances of completing a transfer.
Sunderland could return with a new bid to compete with their rivals in the north east. Sanderson played a huge part in their promotion push but was ultimately ruled out with a back problem in April.
His absence coincided with a downturn in form for the Black Cats as they won just once in their last six games.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have other options if they fail to land Sanderson.
They’ve been closely linked with Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, who represents Norway at international level.
He recently revealed his desire to leave Scotland and play at a higher level.
The 23-year-old said: “There are many rumours, and right now there are only rumours.
“It is clear that something will happen this summer. It is the best for both parties.
“(In terms of which) club, I do not want to go into anything.
“We’ll get to that later, but it’s a top five league I aim for.”
The Magpies are hoping to bring in a new centre-back to partner Jamaal Lascelles next term.