Newcastle have reopened talks with Brentford over an improved £40m deal for striker Yoane Wissa.
Following an impasse in talks that has threatened the deal, both clubs are now in direct talks – with Newcastle proposing a £35m initial fee plus a further £5m in add-ons.
The Magpies’ previous bid for the 28-year-old was worth up to £30m.
Sources have told BBC Sport that the latest bid from Newcastle falls below Brentford’s valuation of Wissa.
It is understood Wissa held talks with Brentford’s owner Matthew Benham on Tuesday, a development that prompted today’s discussions.
Earlier this week, Wissa removed all association with Brentford from his Instagram account, external as his future took a fresh twist.
The DR Congo forward wants to join Newcastle but so far Brentford have refused to sanction his exit. He scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season.
