According to reports in The Telegraph, West Ham United are keen to sign out of favour Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario on loan before the January transfer window slams shut.
The Telegraph says that talks are on-going although an agreement has been reached between the two clubs, and now the east London outfit must convince the 24-year-old to move to the London Stadium.
The report adds that the Portugal international, who has struggled to make an impression following his move from FC Porto in 2016, doesn't want to make an immediate decision and is keen to weigh up all of his options first, which will allow other teams to enter the race for his signature.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United are situated precariously above the Premier League relegation zone with just a three-point gap separating them and 18th-placed Stoke City, and the club suffered a further blow this week when owner Mike Ashley pulled out of a proposed takeover deal by PCP Captial Partners.
The situation certainly won't have pleased manager Rafa Benitez as he looks to strengthen his squad before the end of the month, but the Spaniard will know that Ashley has to back him now and bringing Joao Mario to St James' Park could prove to be a shrewd move.
Here are three reasons Newcastle must hijack West Ham's bid to sign the Portuguese midfielder…
His qualities
Newcastle boss Benitez will be looking to add some quality to his squad in the remaining days of the January window if he is given the green light to bring in new players by Mike Ashley, and Joao Mario would certainly fit the bill.
The 24-year-old has plenty of experience at the highest level with FC Porto and during his time with Inter Milan – not to mention winning Euro 2016 with Portugal.
According to WhoScored.com, his main strengths are his set-pieces, making key passes and interceptions, and his dribbling ability.
Versatility
The Express reported earlier in the month that Jonjo Shelvey could complete a move to West Ham if Newcastle found a suitable replacement, and Joao Mario could the option they need to do that until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old can play in a central midfield role like Shelvey, but he can also play in a more attacking midfield position through the middle too – as he often has for Inter this season.
That versatility of being able to play alongside the likes of Isaac Hayden or Mikel Merino – as well as covering and providing competition for Ayoze Perez in the No 10 role – should make him an attractive option for Benitez.
Loan deal
Ashley looks unlikely to back Benitez with huge transfer funds this month given his desire to sell up, and in that respect the opportunity to bring Joao Mario to St James' Park on loan should prove to be attractive for the Magpies owner.
While the Tyneside outfit may have to cover at least a portion of his wages until the end of the season, the fact that they wouldn't have to pay a transfer fee would certainly make the 24-year-old a viable signing, and it would be a deal that the Spanish boss would love to get over the line ahead of West Ham.
Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.