Ismaila Sarr's wage demands will fit into Newcastle United's summer budget if they decide to follow up interest in the Watford winger.
The 24-year-old has been scouted by the Magpies in recent times with the Hertfordshire club hurtling towards relegation from the Premier League. Sarr is keen to stay in the top-flight and is picking up around £65,000 per week with the Hornets.
United's next phase of recruitment will see them attempt to sign players that are close to the salaries of existing squad members. That means that Manchester United's soon to be free winger Jesse Lingard may have to look elsewhere if demands become too high.
Already on £100,000 per week at Man United, Lingard would be breaking through the top earner ceiling at Newcastle if figures of £150,000 per week are demanded by the 29-year-old. But Sarr's expectations may be a little closer to reality.
READ MORE: Howe hints at Newcastle's summer transfer policy
Make no mistake, Eddie Howe is interested in Lingard but with a salary bidding war between Juventus, AC Milan and West Ham being touted by his representatives the concern is that Lingard may price himself out of a move if he's not too careful. Newcastle do have money to spend but won't be taken for a ride by any agencies this summer.
And they aren't ready to assemble the type of squad that can cope with stars demanding north of £200,000 per week. The long-term aim is Europe and the Champions League but Howe and his backroom team know that jump can't be made overnight.
United have interest for two goalkeepers this summer
The Magpies already have interest for two of their goalkeepers ahead of the summer transfer window. AFC Bournemouth want to sign Freddie Woodman on a permanent deal despite little game-time with the Cherries.
But he is expected to have more opportunities at the Vitality Stadium than at United next season with the Croydon-born stopper currently fourth choice on Tyneside. That said, there is also interest in Karl Darlow from Middlesbrough with the 31-year-old keeper also set lacking opportunities with Martin Dubravka established as number 1 after injuries. Woodman has one year left on his contract while Darlow is tied down until he is 34.
New deals for youngsters in the pipeline
The Magpies could be close to announcing new deals for a spate of Academy kids in due course. Midfielder Ellis Stanton is understood to be close to a professional contract with the Magpies.
Stanton has excelled after breaking from the Under-18s to the Under-23s and the 17-year-old is thought to be one of the brightest young prospects at Newcastle.
United already have exciting talent Jay-Turner Cooke tied down for another year at least while Lucas De Bolle is also set to stay on. De Bolle is arguably the closest new debutant to Eddie Howe's first-team at the moment and will be looked at in pre-season.
Howe watched the Under-23s lose to Blyth Spartans on Thursday night but the club have already got a good idea on who is staying on. Newcastle are yet to confirm the future status of wingers Tom Allan and Adam Wilson, who are both out of contract at the end of the campaign.
