It ‘seems very unlikely’ that Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans will join Newcastle United this summer, The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has said.

The Lowdown: Tielemans linked with Newcastle

According to The Mirror, the Magpies have joined Arsenal in the race to sign the Belgium international, who has amassed 52 caps for his country.

With less than a year left on his contract with the Foxes, the 25-year-old could be sold by Leicester for a reduced rate this summer, with the club surely keen to avoid losing out on his entire £49.5m market value.

It is reported that Newcastle have already made enquiries into Tielemans’ future, amid strong rumours linking the midfielder with a move to the Gunners.

The Latest: Edwards’ news

Edwards has now shared the latest news on Newcastle’s rumoured swoop for the Belgian, identifying one "problem" which could be a deal-breaker.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “On Tielemans rumours. #nufc like player but wage demands would be a problem and wants to move to club offering Euro football. Given most pressing requirement in this window now is to add goals to side, with whatever money there is left, seems very unlikely he will join #lcfc”

The Verdict: Would have been a strong signing

Hailed as a ‘top class player’ by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the arrival of Tielemans on Tyneside would have added further class to Eddie Howe’s midfield options.

As per FBRef, when compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 94th percentile for shots per game and in the 89th percentile for expected assists.

With Newcastle looking to build a squad capable of competing for European football, the likes of Tielemans would certainly add experience in that regard to Howe's squad, along with his aforementioned qualities in the final third.

However, without continental football as of yet, the Magpies will continue to find it hard to attract such players, while Edwards has rightly pointed out that plenty of the club's summer transfer budget has already been utilised.