Newcastle United have emerged as favourites to sign Luuk de Jong.

Alan Pardew knows there is a good chance he will lose Demba Ba this summer, with the Senegalese striker having a release clause in his contract of £7million.

The Magpies boss is determined to find a top-quality replacement, and Holland international star de Jong has long been on his radar.

An offer of £8million has already been rejected for the 21-year-old, but Pardew is said to be closing on a £9.5million agreement with FC Twente.

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