Newcastle have held positive talks with Reims striker Hugo Ekitike after the French club gave the 19-year-old permission to speak to the Magpies.
Sky Sports News has been told the player's representatives were allowed to speak to the Premier League club as the clubs continue to finalise a deal.
A fee worth around €30m (£25.6m) is under discussion surrounding the striker who scored ten goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances last season, who would sign a five-year contract at St James' Park should the two clubs agree a fee.
Newcastle came close to signing the France U21 International in January and have returned for the player in the summer window.
Ekitike is one of four strikers Newcastle have discussed as they embark on their first summer transfer window since their Saudi-led takeover was approved at the back end of last year.
