Steve Bruce is understood to be waiting for positive news from Lee Charnley on the Joelinton deal.
Bruce and United have another day in China before heading home but the new head coach is keen to bring in the Brazilian from Hoffenheim to kick off Newcastle’s summer recruitment drive.
He admitted United were “light” on strikers on Friday. But Charnley is still working on the finer points of the deal.
Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen said: “We are on the home stretch, but not over the finish line. There are things in contracts and clearing processes that take more than 24 hours.” Reports in Germany claimed the deal could be completed on Monday.
Bruce watched on from the stands in Shanghai as Newcastle picked up a 1-0 win over West Ham.
