NEWCASTLE UNITED face a battle with Tottenham as they ponder a loan move for Borussia Dortmund forward Paco Alcacer in the final week of the transfer window.

Steve Bruce’s lack of attacking options was exposed in yesterday’s goalless draw with Oxford United, and the Magpies boss has identified Alcacer as a viable target ahead of Friday’s deadline.

The Spain international made his name with Valencia before moving on to Barcelona in 2016. He spent three years at the Nou Camp, before moving on again at the start of last season when he joined Dortmund.

He did extremely well last season, scoring 18 Bundesliga goals in just 26 appearances, a run of form that secured him a €23m permanent transfer and a five-year deal at the start of last year.

However, his fortunes have plummeted in the current campaign, with Dortmund boss Lucien Favre handing him just six league starts, and he is keen to move on to enhance his chances of securing a spot in the Spain squad for this summer’s European Championship finals.

Newcastle are aware of his potential availability, and are set to push for a loan deal with a clause for a possible £25m transfer at the end of the season.

However, Tottenham have been tracking Alcacer for the best part of two years and are preparing a counter-offer of their own. With Harry Kane having been ruled out of the vast majority of the remainder of the season, Jose Mourinho is desperate to secure another attacking option.

Both clubs are hoping to make progress in the next 24 hours, with Dortmund officials ready to engage in detailed discussions.

Bruce was asked about transfers in the wake of Newcastle’s FA Cup draw yesterday, and said: “We’re still trying. It was a shame that (Valentino Lazaro) couldn’t get done in time to play (against Oxford). He’ll give us another bit of quality in the forward areas. We’ll see what happens next week, we’ve got a couple of plates spinning.”