Newcastle United Transfer News: Luuk de Jong Talks Gather Pace in Holland

Newcastle Evening Chronicle broke the news this morning that Newcastle United Managing Director Derek Llambias and Secretary Lee Charnley have traveled to Holland to meet with FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong. The club are in the process of negotiating the transfer of the Dutch sensation and reports are The Magpies have made an improved, second offer of £10 million for the 21-year-old striker. de Jong was actually born in Switzerland but moved to the Netherlands when he was young and has played seven times and scored one goal for the national side but despite traveling to the Euro 2012 Championships, he never got off the bench to play. At domestic level he has shone in the Dutch league, scoring 25 league goals that has brought the moniker of "the next Robin Van Persie". Newcastle's hierarchy travelling to Holland to speak to either de Jong and Twente are positive signs for fans that a deal for the player could be close. Meanwhile, reports today suggest Newcastle's interest in de Jong's Twente team-mate Douglas has been rejuvenated. The imposing 24-year-old Brazilian central defender is thought to be one of the best in his position in the country and has been linked with the top Premier League clubs as he refuses to sign an extension to his contract that expires in 12 months. His future at Twente has grown ever more dubious after failing to return from his homeland to start pre-season training which has infuriated boss Steve McClaren. Newcastle last negotiated the transfer of midfielder Chieck Tiote with Twente in 2010.