Newcastle United have revived their interest in free agent Douglas, but face competition from Russia and Italy for his services according to
The Journal. The Magpies have been long-term admirers of the 25-year old defender, who is available for nothing after his contract with FC Twente expired. And that will provide manager Alan Pardew with encouragement that he can finally land the player, though there are other interested parties from the continent. Italian side Lazio as well as Russian outfits Anzhi Makhachkala and FK Krasnodar are understood to be in negotiations with the players agent as they hope to beat the Geordies to the punch in signing the defender. Newcastle are however believed to have also made a bid for the Brazilian international that is in excess to those currently on the table, which could yet prove to hand them a distinct advantage in the race. If their offer falls through though, the North East club do have other targets to follow up, with Paris-Saint Germain defender Mamadou Sakho and West Hams James Tomkins also in the frame for a summer move to St. James' Park. Douglas though is the priority and at 6ft 4in his physically imposing stature would provide Newcastle with the sort of defensive steel they desire. There's more good news for Newcastle in the defensive department in that club captain Fabricio Coloccini looks set to stay at the club following intense speculation in January that he was set to quit and move back to his native Argentina.