Newcastle United are close to completing the signing of Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid - and the Magpies hope the England international will be the first of a number of new arrivals this month.
ChronicleLive previously revealed that Newcastle felt moved to make an opening offer over the weekend after receiving positive noises from Trippier's camp.
Newcastle's recruitment team have worked 'tirelessly' on this deal in recent weeks and, while January is never straightforward, those hours of groundwork look to have paid off.
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ChronicleLive understands Trippier is leaving Atletico with a 'heavy heart' but, having felt that he had achieved what he set out to do in Madrid, the 31-year-old is 'excited' to become the first signing of this new era and reunite with former Burnley manager Eddie Howe.
Although Diego Simeone does not want to lose Trippier, who has become a firm favourite of his, the Atletico boss also understands the player's desire to return to England and, tellingly, has not stood in his way.
As much as Trippier is attracted by the wages on offer, and the chance to bring his family back to the north of England, the right-back has also been struck by Newcastle's ambition to one day compete.
It is not yet clear what the exact fee will be, but this would be a real coup for Newcastle as the Magpies look to add a new dimension to their side with Trippier's crossing ability and set-piece delivery.
The vocal Trippier has also improved as a defender at Atletico and 19th-placed Newcastle will certainly need those organisational skills; no side has conceded more goals (42) or dropped more points (19) from winning positions in the Premier League this season.
Trippier's arrival would be a real statement of intent and a signal to other targets that Newcastle are serious about building a side to not only get out of trouble but, also, to move up the league in the coming years.
Newcastle are in the market for further signings, including a new centre-back and striker, and hope to make another breakthrough before next week's huge game against Watford.
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