Praet spent five years with Anderlecht before joining Sampdoria last summer

Everton are ready to rival Newcastle United in their bid to sign Dennis Praet from Sampdoria.

Ronald Koeman’s side will end a two-year absence from European competition if they defeat Hajduk Split tonight. They lead the Europa League play-off tie 2-0 after goals from Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye at Goodison Park.

Praet, the midfielder who is valued at £18.5 million, joined Sampdoria 12 months ago after five years with Anderlecht, where he won three league titles.

The injured Klaassen has not travelled to Croatia OLI SCARFF/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Newcastle sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in Sampdoria’s match against Benevento, but Everton are looking into signing the Belgian. Koeman already has Morgan Schneiderlin, Gueye and Tom Davies available in midfield. Davy Klaassen, the midfielder who signed from Ajax this summer, and Sandro Ramírez did not travel