Newcastle to swoop for Schalke's £10m Cameroonian star Matip

The 23-year-old centre-back, who can also play in midfield, remains one of the Toon Army’s main transfer targets this window – with new boss Steve McClaren desperate to do a deal.

The Newcastle Chronicle are reporting Matip will meet with Schalke’s new manager André Breitenreiter and it is understood a decision as to whether he is allowed to leave will be made in the next week.

Newcastle are prepared to pay up to £10million for the player, who helped Roberto Di Matteo’s side finish sixth in the Bundesliga last term.