Newcastle are trying to sign highly-rated defender Jores Okore from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old has also attracted attention from both Manchester clubs, as well as Liverpool and Tottenham.
Reports have suggested that scouts across Europe have been tracking the defender closely after a series of impressive performances for his club side. However, Magpies boss Alan Pardew is hoping to tie up a deal for the youngster sooner rather than later, so he can beat his Premier League rivals to Okore's signature.
The Ivory Coast-born player has already been capped twice by Denmark at a full international level, as well as earning three caps for the Danish under-21 side.
Okore joined FC Nordsjaelland in 2007.