Newcastle United are in a fight with Fulham to sign Sander Berge and must wait to see the outcome of talks with the player's agent and cash-strapped Sheffield United.
The 6ft 5in midfielder could be sold to raise funds for the Blades with the club currently enduring a transfer embargo. Newcastle want a loan deal for Berge with a big fee on offer at the end of the season but the Cottagers are prepared to pay money now, albeit a lesser fee.
Berge has been identified as a star that could help Newcastle after the departure of Jonjo Shelvey. Shelvey has landed a lucrative deal at Nottingham Forest and a two and a half year contract.
