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Prem duo keen on Engelaar

Image: Engelaar: English interest

Everton and Newcastle are both interested in Dutch star Orlando Engelaar, Skysports.com can confirm.

But Schalke are close to sealing a deal

Everton and Newcastle are both interested in Dutch star Orlando Engelaar, skysports.com can confirm. But German side Schalke are close to sealing a deal for the Twente midfielder and the Premier League clubs will need to act fast if they want to sign him. Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Engelaar's agent Eduard Burleson confirmed the interest from England - but admitted talks with Schalke are at an advanced stage. "We have spoken with Schalke and terms have been agreed," Burleson told skysports.com. "But the two clubs have not agreed yet, and so that is where we stand on that."

English interest

Burleson admitted that English interest was now getting stronger and that 28-year-old Engelaar could very well be keen on a move to the Premier League. "I know Everton are interested and that Newcastle could soon make a move," he continued. "He chose to speak to Schalke, firstly because there was not any interest from England at the time and also because of the coach Fred Rutten [former Twente coach now at Schalke] - who was so good for him at Twente. "But if does not work, it is now clear there could be English options." Burleson admits Engelaar's performances in Euro 2008 - where he has started every game for the Dutch - have made a number of clubs sit up and take notice. "Orlando has taken his form from Twente straight into the national side and continued at the same level," he said. "I think for this reason a number of clubs have suddenly realised what many of us already knew, that he is a very good player."

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