Hoffenheim chief Alexander Rosen admits Joelinton is a step away from joining Newcastle United.
Joelinton and his agent have been on Tyneside since midway through last week.
Kicker says Hoffenheim have softened their stand over the striker's 53m asking price.
Instead of demanding it all up front, Hoffenheim and Newcastle are now finalising terms over 44m cash plus a further 9m due in bonuses.
Rosen told Kicker: "We are on the home straight, but not over the finish line."
