Newcastle are bracing themselves for a flurry of transfer activity as the January window enters its final week.
As speculation mounts over goalkeeper Shay Given's future on Tyneside, as well as that of midfielders Charles N'Zogbia and Joey Barton, the Magpies are closing in on at least one of their own targets.
Joe Kinnear's side are hoping to complete a move for Toulouse full-back Albin Ebondo within the next 24 hours.
Their interest in the 24-year-old first emerged earlier this month when it was also confirmed that they were looking at Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.
Kinnear later claimed the club had tabled a £5million bid for the 22-year-old Cameroon international, although that is understood to have been rejected.
Kinnear said: "Talks have been going very well regarding Albin and we are working hard to make sure he comes to Newcastle."
Newcastle last week added Denmark international Peter Lovenkrands to the squad until the end of the season, but they need several more new faces if they are to strengthen the areas in which they have little or no cover.
Kinnear has already found a new recruit for his coaching team after securing the services of former Northampton and Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood until the end of the season. The 44-year-old Scotsman was at the club's training headquarters on Monday working alongside number two Chris Hughton as the Magpies prepare for Wednesday night's trip to Manchester City.
However, while efforts continue behind the scenes to find new recruits, the possibility of departures is equally exercising the minds of the club's hierarchy.
City's interest in 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international Given is well known and ongoing, and it is understood his future could be thrashed out at a meeting with managing director Derek Llambias and Kinnear inside the next 24 hours.
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