Newcastle have revived talks over a £4million move for Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina and hope to reach agreement this week.
Newcastle tried to sign the 27-year-old last month, offering players in a swap deal, but Southampton were keen to bank cash for Lemina who has just one year left on contract.
However, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley pulled the plug as he didn't want to pay a fee for a player over the age of 27 and Lemina turns 28 in September.
Now club staff have managed to convince Ashley that, in a competitive market, it is a deal worth breaking protocol for.