New listener in Gateshead coming close (7)

I believe the answer is:

nearing

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'coming close' is the definition.
'nearing' can be an answer for 'close' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'coming' bit.

'new listener in gateshead' is the wordplay.
'new' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament).
'listener' becomes 'ear' (body part which hears or listens).
'gateshead' becomes 'g' (head letter of 'gates').
'n'+'ear'+'in'+'g'='NEARING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nearing that I've seen before include "Approaching" , "Getting close to" , "Moving towards" , "Drawing closer to" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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