Newcastle United have reportedly lodged a club-record €100m (£85m) bid for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The Magpies are approaching their first transfer window since being taken over by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund - a deal which saw them become the richest club in world football.
Eddie Howe's side are therefore expected to be busy in the January market, particularly as they currently sit joint-bottom of the Premier League table and find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle.
Vlahovic has emerged as one of the most coveted players in Europe courtesy of a prolific 2021, which has seen him score 32 Serie A goals across the calendar year.
A number of Europe's top clubs have been credited with an interest in the Serbia international, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur among those linked.
However, Calciomercato claims that Newcastle have attempted to pip their Premier League rivals to his signature by meeting Fiorentina's £85m asking price.
Fiorentina have already confirmed that Vlahovic has turned down the most lucrative offer in the club's history, with the 21-year-old keen to seek pastures new.
However, a switch to a relegation-threatened Newcastle side may not be of interest to the striker, who has bagged 17 goals and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season.
Barney Corkhill
