Newcastle United join race for Rasmus Elm

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign AZ Alkmaar's Rasmus Elm.

The Swedish international was on the verge of joining Liverpool, but the Magpies are now the favourites to secure his signature, according to The Mirror.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew travelled to Holland to watch the midfielder play against Feyenoord Rotterdam last weekend, only to find him absent from the team because his partner had given birth.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was also at the game, though sources close to AZ suggest that Newcastle have been more proactive in their bid to land the £8m-rated star.

Both teams are understood to be keen to hold talks with Elm before he sets off for Euro 2012.