Newcastle United will be encouraged by their efforts to sign Dutch striker Luuk De Jong after his agent admitted his client would be open to a move to St James' Park.
Newcastle had a reported £8 million ($12.5 million) bid for the 21-year-old forward rejected by FC Twente, who are holding out for around £10-12 million.
De Jong starred for Twente last season with 25 goals and was also a part of the Netherlands squad in Euro 2012. De Jong has been previously linked with Liverpool and a few Italian clubs.
Newcastle manager is trying to strengthen his squad for the upcoming Premier League and Europa League campaign and with Demba Ba's future still uncertain, the Magpies will be extremely keen on snapping up the prolific youngster.
De Jong's agent Louis Laros said several clubs are interested in signing the striker, but admitted interested parties will have to agree a fee with Twente first, before anything can be between the player. "I can only confirm that there has been interest from Newcastle in Luuk," Laros told the Journal.
"I know that Newcastle are following him, that is no secret, but a club must first agree a fee with FC Twente and so far this has not happened. I really don't know what will happen next.
"It is not up to us at this moment, it is up to those clubs to show an interest and agree a financial deal with Twente.
"They are not the only club that has shown an interest, there has been a lot of clubs from all over Europe. More than five or six, but that is normal for a player who has scored 25 goals in the (Dutch) Eredivisie and is in the national side."
Laros said the club has to be a right fit for De Jong and revealed Newcastle and the English Premier League would be one of the striker's preferred destinations.
"It has got to be the right club for Luuk, and a club that Luuk likes. He has already rejected several clubs who are interested because they are not the right move. I can confirm that Newcastle are not one of the clubs that he has rejected.
"He would be the perfect fit for the Premier League. He is only young and there is no doubt about his quality. No one is debating that.
"Now the most important thing is to find the right club for Luuk, which is what we will do."