West Brom and Leeds United in four-team transfer race for Newcastle United star

West Brom are said to be battling three other clubs for the signature of Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick.

Football Insider claim that the Magpies are going to allow the 31-year-old to leave before the transfer deadline on Friday at 11.00 pm, and now clubs are battling it out to land him.

The report adds that the Baggies along with their Championship rivals Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday want to sign the Ireland star, along with Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen.

Hendrick is out-of-favour at St James Park, and has spent the last season-and-a-half out on loan with QPR and Reading respectively. He made 46 appearances for the Royals last season and got four goals and an assist but couldn't prevent them from being relegated to League One. A permanent move to the Madesjki Stadium looked to be on the cards following a positive spell on-the-field but because of their relegation, their transfer plans changed.

To date, Hendrick has made 437 club appearances in a 13-year playing career with 255 outings in the Championship and 147 whilst playing in the Premier League. He has made most of his appearances for Derby County, and has had a solid career which has seen him represent the Ireland national team on 79 occasions.

Hendrick is the second player from Newcastle United to be linked with a move to The Hawthorn’s this summer, with Isaac Hayden also said to be on the transfar radar. He was set to join Premier League new boys Luton Town but the move collapsed after an agreement couldn't be reached, which opens the door for interested parties.

“We couldn’t quite agree a deal unfortunately,” said Hatters boss Rob Edwards.

“He’s someone we had a look at, clearly, there was interest.

“He’s a good player but unfortunately we couldn’t quite agree a deal. We can have a look and see what else we can do in the next couple of days.”

A report from The Athletic claimed that Hayden is based down South, and has been training away from Newcastle.