Leicester City are close to striking an agreement with Monaco for the loan of Newcastle target Islam Slimani, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that the Foxes would sell Slimani to a Premier League rival, but only for £20million, with Newcastle keeping tabs on the Algeria international.
The Mail claim that Leicester have asked Monaco for a £2.6million loan fee, with the Ligue 1 side initially offering £1.3million, but an agreement is nevertheless said to be close.
It is said that Slimani, 29, would prefer to stay in England, but that will only happen if Leicester can agree a permanent deal with a Premier League rival.
As reported by the Chronicle, Newcastle are in talks with Feyenoord over a deal for Denmark international Nicolai Jorgensen, after having an initial £14million bid rejected.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Moving for Slimani would be a great decision from Newcastle.
The experienced striker has not shown his true colours with Leicester, but he has not been given many chances for an extended run in the team at the King Power.
His exceptional goalscoring record for former club Porto, where he scored 57 goals in 111 games, shows what he is capable of.
And, unlike Jorgensen, he is settled in England and the Premier League, and would be more up to speed ahead of a crucial few months.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Unfortunately not.
Newcastle look set on Jorgensen, and Leicester look close to a loan agreement with Monaco.
Unless the Jorgensen deal falls through and Newcastle swoop in for Slimani, this one looks unlikely.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10