Newcastle United are in talks over a move for Bayer Leverkusen left-back Mitchel Bakker.
The Dutch U21 international, a product of Ajax's academy, only joined Leverkusen last summer from Paris St Germain in a deal worth up to £8.5million and Newcastle are willing to offer them a quick profit.
Bakker is a modern full-back. He is over 6ft tall, has the build of a centre back so would give much needed height and athleticism in that role plus pace.
He was first choice for Paris St Germain under Thomas Tuchel but drifted out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino and subsequently looked for a new project with Leverkusen. Now Newcastle hope to tempt him with their project.
Another Newcastle target, Sevilla centre back Diego Carlos is submitting a formal transfer request.
The 28-year-old is due to play against Valencia on Wednesday night with Sevilla so far refusing to accept Newcastle's offers of £28million plus.
Centre-back is a priority for Eddie Howe and the club have been scrambling around different targets to try and deliver two reliable defenders who can give them that extra security as they bid to stay up. Newcastle have conceded 43 goals in just 20 Premier League games this season. Only Norwich have a worse defensive record.
Brazilian Diego wants to come to Newcastle and will be a given a substantial pay rise but Sevilla are reluctant to deal now as Jules Kounde is struggling with injury and they have little in the way of cover.
Newcastle hope his request to leave can help persuade Sevilla into reaching a compromise.
Sevilla remain keen on a deal for Manchester United striker Anthony Martial and that could come into play if they bring in funds from Diego's sale. Juventus have also asked about Martial but say his salary and loan fee mean a deal is not feasible.
Howe's side sit 19th in the table after conceding a late goal against Watford on Saturday and face Leeds before an international break.
Howe has already signed England full-back Kieran Trippier for £12m and former Burnley striker Chris Wood for £25m in an attempt to avoid relegation following the takeover by the club's new owners in October.