Newcastle United transfer news: Interest from Germany in Sissoko, Hanley latest, Fulham defender linked

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Rafa Benitez's hopes of landing a new defender could be realised this week.

Blackburn Rovers expect Newcastle United to return with an improved bid for centre-back Grant Hanley in the next 48 hours according to reports this morning.

Rovers boss Owen Coyle, though, is desperate to keep hold of one of his key defenders.

Coyle said: "I totally understand why Newcastle covet him, but, as I said before, and I’ll repeat it, in my opinion they are nowhere near the valuation which I consider Grant Hanley to be."Click here for the full story:

Meanwhile, German giants Borussia Dortmund are considering testing Newcastle United’s resolve to hold on to Moussa Sissoko.

Sissoko wants to leave St James’s Park this summer in the wake of the club’s relegation to the Championship.

But United manager Rafa Benitez is looking to keep the midfielder on Tyneside.

Benitez feels he can persuade Sissoko to stay – and his stance has the backing of owner Mike Ashley.

And finally, Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Fulham defender Fernando Amorebieta, according to reports this morning.

Benitez is keen to strengthen his defensive options and versatile Amorebieta, who can play at centre-back and left-back, is the latest player linked.

Newcastle are currently on tour in the Republic of Ireland and you can follow the very latest news via Miles Starforth.

Keep up-to-speed with the latest news from the tour here: