Luuk de Jong appears to have dashed Newcastle's hopes of signing him this summer by claiming he is only interested in a move to Germany.
The Holland forward is keen to leave FC Twente, with Newcastle and Borussia Monchengladbach thought to be in a straight fight for his signature.
Alan Pardew's side have already seen a reported £12million bid for his services rebuffed, with the Dutch club pricing the player nearer £16m.
But de Jong is determined to have the final say, revealing the Bundesliga is his preferred destination.
"I have spoken to (Gladbach coach Lucien) Favre several times," he told German newspaper Bild.
"We talked about how he wanted me to play. I'm sure the way he wants to play fits perfectly with the fast pace that suits me.
"I've told Twente that I only want to go to Gladbach. Borussia are playing in the qualifying round of the Champions League and I want to take the next step in my career.
"The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe. To make the next step with the national team I need to go there."
