Yesterday we brought you the news that Newcastle United had triggered Mohamed Diame's release clause from Hull City, with the Magpies eyeing the Senegal international as a replacement for Moussa Sissoko.

Today the Toon have reportedly met a second escape fee - for Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark.

The 26-year-old has four years left on his contract in the midlands, but has a release clause in said contract worth just £5m.

The Evening Chronicle reported on Monday night that the North East club had met the minimum fee required to trigger the clause as Rafa Benitez looks to build a side capable of bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

The Magpies are looking to secure the centre-back's services in time for their season opener at Craven Cottage on Friday, with he and Diame expected at Newcastle's Darsley Park training base on Tuesday for a medical.

Idrissa Gueye of Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo is keen on keeping Clark in Birmingham, but has his work cut out to keep hold of the defender - as well as midfield duo Idrissa Gueye and Scott Sinclair.

Gueye was statistically the best defensive midfielder in the league last season, winning 75 per cent of his tackles and recovering the ball 344 times - with only N'Golo Kante coming close to the Villa man, winning 71.4 per cent of his tackles and reclaiming the ball 326 times.

A £7.1m fee has reportedly been agreed with Everton for the Senegalese international, with ESPN reporting that a deal could be done on Tuesday.

Sinclair has been heavily linked with a reunion with former boss Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, but the Birmingham Mail understands Villa are holding out for a higher offer for the 27-year-old.

Another club looking to fight off the vultures following relegation is Norwich City.

Manchester United's Ander Herrera and Norwich City's Martin Olsson battle for the ball

The Canaries turned down West Ham's £3m offer for left-back Martin Olsson turned down on Monday, but the Hammers are thought to be preparing a second bid worth £4m.

The Swedish international played every minute of Euro 2016 for the Blagult last month, and is keen on finding a new club this summer.

Team-mate Robbie Brady did the same for the Republic of Ireland at the European Championships and is also attracting interest from the Premier League.

The winger was subject to a £12m offer from Leicester earlier on in the transfer window and Burnley have become the latest side to bid for the Irishman, according to the Daily Mail.

Robbie Brady during Euro 2016

The offer is thought to have been rejected by Norwich, who are believed to want £20m for their prized asset.

Leeds United are also braced to lose one of their prized assets, with youngster Charlie Taylor reportedly handing in a transfer request away from Elland Road.

At only 22, the youngster has already racked up 72 appearances for the Whites, and his ability to play in defence or midfield has made him a prime target for Premier League clubs.

West Brom are believed to be keen on Taylor, with Burnley and Middlesbrough also in the hunt for his signature.

Chris Hughton's Brighton are ready to add to their ranks, with a deal for Tottenham midfielder Alex Pritchard edging closer.

The 23-year-old spent the second portion of last season on loan at West Brom, but made just two league appearances for the midlands club and Spurs are now looking to cash in on the youngster.

The deal is understood to be worth £8m, but the Seagulls will have to fight off other Championship clubs, with the likes of QPR interested in the playmaker.