The summer transfer window officially closed for business next week - but Newcastle United’s biggest deal could take place long before the deadline passes on Thursday night.
The Magpies have already added Matt Targett, Sven Botman and Nick Pope to Eddie Howe’s squad earlier this summer and their focus has been on improving their attacking options in recent weeks.
The likes of Watford star Joao Pedro and Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic have all been linked with a move to Tyneside - but the injury Callum Wilson suffered in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Manchester City seems to have hastened their search for a striker.
Widespread reports have suggested the Magpies are now in ‘advanced talks’ with La Liga club Real Sociedad over a £58million deal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
The former Borussia Dortmund star has been linked with several of European football’s biggest clubs after forging a fearsome reputation in Spain - but it is Newcastle that look set to hand him an opportunity to shine in the Premier League by making him their record signing.
Isak would replace Brazilian star Joelinton as the club’s record addition if and when the deal is completed - but who are the last ten players to hold the tag of Newcastle United’s record signing?
1. Dave Beasant - £850k from Wimbledon in June 1988
Arrived as record transfer and an FA Cup winning goalkeeper after saving a penalty in Wimbledon’s shock final win against Liverpool, Beasant’s time on Tyneside was brief and he departed for Chelsea seven months after signing following a string of poor performances. Photo: Getty Images
2. Andy Cole - £1.75m from Bristol City in March 1993
A modern day Newcastle United legend, striker Cole was the club’s record transfer when they secured promotion into the Premier League just months after his arrival from Bristol City. Had a remarkable goalscoring record of 68 goals in 84 appearances by the time he left for Manchester United in 1995. Photo: Clive Brunskill
3. Ruel Fox - £2.25m from Norwich City in February 1994
After playing a key role in helping establish Norwich City as a threat at the top end of the Premier League, winger Fox became United’s record signing in February 1994 as Kevin Keegan looked to build on the momentum his side had gained during an impressive first few months in the new look league. Photo: Getty Images
4. Darren Peacock - £2.7m from Queens Park Rangers in March 1994
Fox held the record for less than a month as Keegan moved to strengthen his defence with the signing of QPR centre-back Darren Peacock. A rare defence-minded player in Keegan’s Entertainers side, Peacock was part of the Magpies side that secured consecutive second placed finishes in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images