Newcastle United are understood to have been given the green light to start negotiating personal terms with Sven Botman and his agent.
The breakthrough in the deal for Botman - who could eventually cost Newcastle €55million - comes after Lille lost patience with AC Milan after giving them all of the closed season to get their bid together with no real sign of progress amid takeover concerns.
Consequently, Lille have ordered Botman and his agent to start proceedings for his sale to Newcastle with the Magpies the highest bidders for his services.