Newcastle United are losing ground in the race to sign Club Brugge striker Wesley Moraes.

The Evening Chronicle says the striker is now set to move elsewhere.

The 22-year-old had been watched and scouted by United, with a source close to the player claiming that direct contract had been made by Rafa Benitez over a move to Tyneside - and that the Premier League was Moraes' preference over a move to Serie A.

However, uncertainty over the proposed Bin Zayed takeover and Benitez's future means United have fallen behind in the chase for Moraes, and his representatives are now 'moving forward with another situation', with a decision imminent.

Moraes was said to be 'excited' to work with Benitez, and the Spaniard was the main attraction at United.