Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Hull City midfielder Mohamed Diame after triggering the release clause in his contract, sources close to the Premier League club have told ESPN FC.
The Magpies have offered £4.5 million for Diame, which means the player is now free to talk to the Championship club.
Hull are fighting to keep Diame, who scored the winning goal in the Championship playoff final in May, at the KC Stadium by offering him a new deal.
Newcastle boss Rafa Bentitez has identified Diame as a top target to bolster his midfield options after seeing Georginio Wijnaldum leave for Liverpool, while Moussa Sissoko could depart St James' Park before the close of the transfer window.
Former Wigan and West Ham midfielder Diame scored 10 goals in the Championship last season and Benitez sees him as a key addition to his squad as he looks to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.