Newcastle United are reportedly willing to hand a lucrative contract to Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko.
Despite the disappointment of their FA Cup exit at the weekend, the Magpies are enjoying their best season for a decade as they bid to finish in the top four of the Premier League standings.
As it stands, they occupy third position in the table, although there are now just two points separating Eddie Howe's side to fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Although Newcastle face a battle to qualify for the Champions League, discussions regarding potential additions during the summer will already be taking place behind the scenes at St James' Park.
While at least one fresh face is expected to arrive before the end of this month, the next major business is likely to take place in the summer.
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According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle have set their sights on attempting to win the race for Moukoko's signature.
The 18-year-old has just entered the final six months of his contract at Dortmund and is now free to hold discussions with foreign clubs regarding a free transfer.
There remains the prospect of the Germany international continuing his career at the Westfalenstadion, where he has already made 59 appearances.
However, the longer that the teenager does not pen an extension with the Bundesliga club, there will be increased interest in his services.
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The report claims that Newcastle have discussed the possibility of handing Moukoko a long-term contract worth £150,000 per week in a bid to fend off some of their rivals.
As it stands, Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona are all said to be contemplating whether to do similar, aware that there is an opportunity to sign one of European football's top prospects for nothing.
From Newcastle's perspective, they already have three players who can feature in their forward line, including Callum Wilson and club-record arrival Alexander Isak.
Chris Wood has been required to deputise for each player on occasions this season, but the New Zealand international is established as third choice in the pecking order.
Darren Plant
