Everton and Newcastle are both understood to be entertaining the idea of bringing Argentine international Pablo Aimar to the Premier League, but they will have to make post-haste offers if they wish to sign the midfielder, as he is in advanced talks with Benfica.
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The 28-year-old has announced that he will leave relegated Real Zaragoza this summer, and a move to the La Liga club expected to be his most likely destination. However, in Everton and Newcastle's favour is his apparent willingness to make a move to England.
The former Valencia playmaker has been in talks with Benfica for some time now, and his apparent lack of urgency to complete the deal has been attributed to a desire to wait and see what offers are forthcoming from England.
"I know that there are offers from Panathinaikos and Benfica exist, although we still expect a call from an English team," Aimar's representative, Gustavo Mascardi, confirmed recently.
While a move to Greek club Panathinaikos has been played down, Real Zaragoza's sporting director Pedro Herrera has verified that Benfica are set on signing the player.
"We know of the interest from Benfica and we are prepared to do what the player wants," said Herrera. "That is always very important. We are studying very carefully the proposal which has been made."
With negotiations ongoing, Everton and Newcastle have time to hijack a move. It would likely cost the successful bidder £7 million for the midfielder, although competition between clubs would surely hike that transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Everton hope to overcome compensation issues surrounding their appointment of Newcastle's Steve Round as assistant manager at Goodison Park this week.
The Merseyside club had hoped to have Round installed by the end of the week, as his contract at St James' Park was understood to end today. However, Newcastle insist that they hold a one-year option on the 37-year-old, and are demanding Everton pay reparations.
"There is an issue over an option on the contract and the clubs are in on-going discussions over a solution," said an Everton spokesman. "We believe it is something that can be sorted out to allow the appointment to be made."
