Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is hopeful of tying up a deal for Valentino Lazaro in time for the weekend.
The Inter Milan right-winger has held talks with the club and his agent was on Tyneside to see the 1-0 win over Chelsea on a day in which he was given a tour of the facilities.
Bruce, who is also looking for a left-back, said: "We hope that the boy (arrives).
"It is fairly common knowledge that his agent was at St James' Park at the weekend.
"We hope we can develop it.
"But when it gets out like it does, it adds to the competition.
"We will see what the next 24 to 48 hours brings."
The news that Jetro Willems and Paul Dummett are out for the season have also underlined the need for a new left-back.
Bruce added: "Things change in two or three days.
"We are active at this moment.
"Because of what has happened we are short in that area.
"We will see what we can do."
