AJAX are threatening to hijack Newcastle United's £3m move for Dutch sensation David Mendes da Silva.

The Magpies have agreed to pay Sparta Rotterdam £1m up front for the 18-year-old, with the fee trebling based on clauses in the deal.

But the player's agent, Edward Burleson, yesterday insisted that giants Ajax had lodged a counter offer after renewing their interest in the Holland Youth star.

Burleson said: "Newcastle have made a bid, but I cannot say how much that is for. They have come in over the last week.

"Ajax were interested a few months ago and now they have read the reports about Newcastle and have come back in and made a bid.

"I see more teams coming in, I know the situation in Holland, and I think it will be foreign clubs that come in for him.

"But the most beautiful competition in the world is the Premier League in David's eyes and he is ready for it now.

"He has gone to Argentina to play in the World Youth Championship and he is back in two weeks, when his future should be decided.

"He will then make his decision on who he wants to join. Sparta have given a deadline and they want a decision when he returns from Argentina."

Mendes da Silva, dubbed the new Frank Rijkaard in Holland, can play in the centre of defence as well as full-back, but it is understood United boss Bobby Robson is keen to use him in midfield.

Meanwhile, Robson is being tipped as favourite to snap up Spanish international striker Kiko on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid.

Kiko, full name Francisco Narvaez Machon, is 29 and has spent eight years with Atletico.

Robson tried to sign the former Cadiz frontman when he was in charge of Barcelona, and sources in Spain claim the Magpies' manager made a fresh approach in April.

Seville, Real Betis and Real Mallorca have also been credited with an interest.

Newcastle chief executive David Stonehouse, who defected from Sunderland, has resigned for personal reasons.

Director of football administration Russell Cushing becomes chief operating officer.

Preston, who lost to Bolton in the First Division play-off final, are in the hunt for freed Newcastle striker Kevin Gallacher.

Southampton's former Arsenal striker Luis Boa Morte claims he snubbed Newcastle to join Fulham following a loan spell at Craven Cottage.

The Portuguese star said: "One of the biggest clubs in England, Newcastle, revealed an interest but I preferred to be with Fulham, for being in London.''

Newcastle last night announced a pre-season tour of Sweden. The Magpies will join hosts IFK Gothenburg and Germany's Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin in a four-team tournament that begins with a game against the Swedes on July 19.

The Magpies will hold a training camp in Stenungsund from Friday, July 14 and will arrange a game with a local amateur side for July 17.

Leicester City are set to sign Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise in a £1.6m deal, writes JOHN CURTIS.

Chelsea have accepted the Foxes offer for Wise and the player has agreed personal terms with Leicester chairman John Elsom.

The deal for 34-year-old Wise will go through formally on Thursday, subject to him passing a medical.

The one-time England player will attend a press conference next week when Leicester manager Peter Taylor returns from a holiday in Spain.

It marks the end of fans' favourite Wise's 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge. Taylor has been a long time admirer of Wise and worked with him when part of the England coaching set-up. Wise joined Chelsea in 1990 after helping Wimbledon to win the FA Cup in 1998.

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