FC Twente defender Douglas says five clubs, including Newcastle United, are interested in signing him.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move to the Sports Direct Arena after the Toon finished fifth in the Premier League and qualified for the Europa League.

And the 24-year-old has confirmed the interest from Newcastle, but warns Alan Pardew that four others sides have also expressed an interest.

Douglas
Douglas says five clubs are looking to sign him. Reuters

"Five clubs are interested and there's a bigger club than Newcastle," the defender said.

"I cannot still say anything about it but I hope soon to have my new club.

"I have personally been in touch with Ajax and immediately said that I'm not interested," he added.

"I want to go abroad as I have outgrown the league. I noticed this year that I am sometimes a little too easy going down, then you make mistakes.

"I want to be tested every week."

Having endured success during last summer's transfer window, Pardew, and head scout Graham Carr will be hoping for a repeat performance to help assist in Newcastle's challenge at the head of the Premier League table.

The club brought in Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba 12 months ago, while Papiss Demba Cisse joined the club in January, with the trio proving vital in the club's hunt for a Champions League spot.

Cabaye has since broken into the French national team, while Ba and Cisse netted 29 goals between them in attack as the Magpies finished above Champions League winners Chelsea.

The 26-year-old midfielder is set to face England in France's opening Euro 2012 group game, and Pardew believes the schemer could be a potent weapon for Laurent Blanc's side.

"Yohan playing makes the game all the more interesting," Pardew told SportMail.

"We know the threat he carries, and he'll be more than a match for anyone in the tournament. I'm delighted for Hatem as well.

"It's an interesting game, and I can't wait for it. I'm looking forward to it.

"I'll watch the tournament on TV, though I might go to one game. I'd take in England-France if there was an opportunity to do that."