Newcastle are stepping up their pursuit of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos and hope they can sign the 28-year-old before Saturday's game at Leeds.
The club has prioritised a central defender after conceding 43 goals in the Premier League this season.
Their focus has now turned to Carlos after Lille said Netherlands Under-21 international Sven Botman was not for sale.
Reports have suggested the Brazilian has handed in a transfer request.
Carlos won the 2020 Europa League with Sevilla and a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics with Brazil last summer.
He previously played for Nantes in France and Estoril in Portugal after moving from his native country.