Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton is chasing Swansea City midfielder Darren Pratley.
The People says the highly-rated Championship midfielder has already been the target of a failed bid by Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies.
Toon gaffer Chris Hughton's spies have been regulars at Pratley's games recently. And the 25-year-old, rated at £3.5million, is within the budget if the Geordies choose to invest in fresh talent in January.