Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is hoping striker Luuk De Jong can deliver for the club as his move edges closer to completion.
The Dutchman arrived in England on Wednesday ahead of his medical and is set to join on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Pardew tried to sign the 23-year-old in 2012 while he was at FC Twente, but the striker chose a move to the Bundesliga instead.
With Yohan Cabaye set to move to Paris Saint-Germain in the next few days, Pardew is also hoping he can finalise other deals to strengthen his squad for the rest of the season.
Newcastle’s lack of options was plain to see on Tuesday night as they drew 0-0 with Norwich. The Magpies hit the woodwork three times but failed to score and Pardew is hoping De Jong will make a difference.
He told Sky Sports: “He had a terrific spell in Holland, and we were really keen on him at that moment.
“He went to Germany and it has not quite worked out for him for whatever reason, so we are kind of giving him a chance.
“The platform for him is to come, play as well as he can and see if he can earn a contract here. He has got the credentials, he is a big target man with a good technique – he is the type of player our fans like.”
De Jong could go straight into the first XI for Newcastle’s game against Sunderland as striker Loic Remy was sent off in the game against Norwich and Pardew may turn to De Jong to power them to victory.
The Magpies can be backed at 1.86 to beat Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear Derby.
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