Newcastle United have entered talks with Freiburg regarding the possibility of signing Papiss Cisse, according to Sky Sports News.
The Senegalese striker is a reported transfer target of Sunderland, but it now appears that the Magpies have stolen a march on their North East rivals.
German club Freiburg look resigned to losing the Senegal international, having recently added another centre-forward to their squad.
Cisse, who has scored nine goals this season, is believed to be available for around £10m.
He is an international teammate of current Newcastle frontman Demba Ba.