Mathieu Debuchy has confirmed that Newcastle are his "priority" as he looks to finalise his move away from Lille.
The France international is also wanted by Italian giants Inter Milan, but Newcastle are reported to be in pole position for his signature.
The Magpies are continuing talks with Lille over a deal believed to be worth around £7million, but an agreement has not yet been finalised.
Debuchy has never hidden his desire to leave the club in recent weeks but Lille had hoped to persuade him to stay for at least another year - although that now looks highly unlikely.
Asked about the prospect of joining Newcastle, he told L'Equipe: "That is my priority, although Inter also enquired about me.
"I am committed 100 per cent to the fact I want to leave Lille, I want to discover another championship.
"The coach wants to keep me and I will not change his mind, but I will do everything I can to move elsewhere."
Lille have stressed that they would not sell Debuchy until they had a replacement lined up - but he is becoming annoyed with that stance, claiming they have already turned down a number of possible candidates.
"Ten, 15 players have been suggested to them and still nothing happens, there has to be some good will, it disappoints me and it bothers me," he continued.
His coach Rudi Garcia maintained his stance, adding: "If we cannot find a new player, then Mathieu is under contract."
