The 21-year-old is out of contract at St James’s Park after his deal expired, but given Inman’s age, Newcastle will be due compensation from his next club.
Inman turned down a new deal at United this summer, and is said to be keen to sign for former loan club Crewe.
Inman scored five goals during his loan spell at Crewe last season.
Crewe manager Steve Davis: “We’ve spoken to Brad and his agent over personal terms, which we are close to, so we can go back with that final offer.
“We have to draw the line somewhere and fit in with what we can afford.
“If we can’t agree a fee outside of a tribunal, do we risk a tribunal with an open cheque book?
“I think we’ve made a very good offer, which I think would be similar to a tribunal, but it’s whether the club is willing to take the chance.
“We don’t want to pay double of what we’ve offer, but at the same time we could pay less, which is the gamble you take when you go to a tribunal.”