Kinnear waits for transfer answers
Joe Kinnear was awaiting answers from two transfer window targets on Thursday after Newcastle launched a joint £8million swoop.
Kinnear was giving little away about the identities of the players he wants to bring to Tyneside, but it is understood they are Rennes' Cameroon international midfielder Stephane Mbia and Toulouse full-back Albin Ebondo.
The Magpies boss made the breakthrough after talks with owner Mike Ashley on Monday evening, and said: "What I said to Mike was, I had identified the two players we want, I told him the price of the two players and he agreed to get them - providing they (the clubs) accept the offers."
He added: "I am very optimistic about it. I said one of them is very crucial to us at the moment.
"He plays for Cameroon, he is a decent player. He is 6ft 2in, he has pace, he is powerful. I just thought he would add something else to us."
Kinnear's coffers could yet be boosted further with midfielder Geremi in talks with Turkish club Besiktas over a move.
