The approach came from Suzuki's own camp rather than the other way around, with his representatives making contact and an initial conversation about the 23-year-old already taking place.
No decision has been made on Tyneside yet, but Newcastle United's interest isn't coming from a standing start — scout Mick Tait was dispatched to Wembley back in March specifically to watch Suzuki, who repaid the trip by helping Japan beat England 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly, Chronicle Live reports..
He carried that form into the World Cup itself, starting four matches before Japan's run ended against Brazil in the last 32.
The timing matters because Newcastle's goalkeeping picture is unsettled. Ewen Jaouen, their summer signing, is due to make his bow later this month in a game at Gateshead, but he isn't seen as the answer to the No.1 question just yet.
Nick Pope, meanwhile, enters the final year of his contract with his long-term future unresolved — he's been linked with Ipswich Town, though nothing concrete had materialised as of last week. Should Newcastle bring in another senior goalkeeper, Pope knows his status as first choice would be under threat, which could push him to consider a move of his own.
Parma appear resigned to losing Suzuki this window regardless of where he ends up, with PSG, Aston Villa and Leeds United all holding their own talks. Newcastle's figures put his value at roughly £17m — well within reach financially, with wages not seen as an obstacle — though other reports in Italy have suggested Parma's real asking price sits closer to €30m (£25.8m), with Leeds said to be readying an offer at that level.
Suzuki impressed in his first season at Parma after arriving from Urawa Red Diamonds via a brief stint at Sint-Truiden, helping the club avoid relegation, though his form dipped somewhat last term before his World Cup showing revived interest across Europe.