Newcastle United are reportedly still planning on making a move for Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Leandro Trossard, despite an update regarding the Belgian's future at the Amex.
What's the word?
According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies are believed to be showing the 'strongest interest' at present in the 28-year-old ahead of Graham Potter's Chelsea, with manager Eddie Howe said to be a 'huge admirer' of the former Genk forward.
The report does suggest, however, that the Seagulls will look to exercise the option of a one-year extension in the 24-cap gem's contract, with the player's existing deal currently set to expire at the end of the season.
That fact should well ease the south coast side's fears over losing their star man in January, although Roberto De Zerbi and co could still look to cash in if a longer-term extension can not be agreed upon, with the aforementioned Howe said to favour Trossard over another attacking target in the form of Leeds United's, Jack Harrison.
Final piece of the jigsaw
The Tynesiders may well be hoping to rely on sporting director Dan Ashworth to try and get the deal wrapped up, with the Englishman having previously worked at Brighton prior to joining the northeast side earlier this year.
If Ashworth can utilise that relationship to get a deal secured, it could well prove to be the final piece of the jigsaw as far as Newcastle are concerned, with the club seemingly lacking a consistent, quality asset on the left flank.
Cult hero Allan Saint-Maximin - who was tipped for an exit over the summer - has once again endured a frustrating start to the campaign due to injury, with that fact seeing the Frenchman score just once in seven Premier League outings.
In his absence, teammate Jacob Murphy has been a solid presence in that wide berth so far this term, although despite the 27-year-old being a firm favourite of Howe - having Norwich City ace scoring just once and laying on only one assist this term.
With the rest of starting XI having looked rather settled this term, the addition of Trossard could well be that extra boost in the race to secure Champions League qualification, with the "unreal" talent, as described by pundit Rio Ferdinand, having been in sparkling form this season.
The 5 foot 7 "absolute baller" - as lauded by journalist Sean Markus Clifford - has scored seven goals and registered three assists in just 14 outings so far this term, with that tally of goal contributions greater than any player at St James' Park this season.
The clinical dynamo has also showcased his knack for driving his side up the pitch and making things happen in the final third, as he notably ranks sixth in the division for total chance-creating carries (20), as well as second for goal-ending carries (three), as per Opta Analyst.
Such a direct and ruthless presence could well add that extra sprinkling of magic to Howe's ranks, with Ashworth now needing to return to his former employers with a notable offer in the New Year.