Newcastle are said to be weighing up a sensational swoop for Mario Balotelli, a move which would see them trigger his release clause in a bid to avoid relegation.
Balotelli, formerly of Manchester City and Liverpool, is currently plying his trade with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, but has now emerged as a Magpies transfer target.
That is according to the president of the club, who has also claimed that there has been no official offer, however, despite the interest from Eddie Howe's side.
According to Fanatik, Murat Sancak said: 'Newcastle was considering signing Balotelli.
'But so far they have not made an official offer. There is an exit clause in his contract.
'But I cannot reveal the amount of that clause.'
Sancak has also confirmed that an official offer from Saudi Arabia was lodged for the hot-headed striker, but that was rebuffed.
'We refused,' he said. 'We said, "We do not intend to sell."'
Balotelli joined the Super Lig outfit last summer in another surprising twist in his career, but is enjoying superb form this season and leading their push for Europe.
So far this campaign, he has scored eight goals and picked up four assists from 20 appearances, with Adana Demirspor currently sitting in sixth place.
The now 31-year-old memorably also enjoyed a successful stint at City.
In his 80 matches there, he scored 30 goals and also won a host of trophies, including the Premier League, having teed up Sergio Aguero for the late clincher.
After leaving England, the Italy man has played for Monza, Brescia, Marseille, Nice and AC Milan on loan.
Newcastle, meanwhile, appear determined to bolster their frontline this month.
Reports yesterday said they were snubbed by both Eden Hazard and Anthony Martial, of Real Madrid and Manchester United respectively.
Sportsmail understands, though, that they are hoping to wrap up the £30million signing of centre back Diego Carlos from Sevilla this week.