Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of top transfer target Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
A deal for the 21-year-old is said to be progressing well, with expectations the player will arrive on Tyneside to complete a transfer worth more than £50million imminently.
The Magpies have been coy on links to the Belgian international in recent days, wary he was high in demand. A host of top European clubs were monitoring the player, while Liverpool and Arsenal were also understood to hold an interest.
It represents quite the coup for sporting director Ross Wilson, so soon after the signing of Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez. And while Nico is seen as a midfield game-changer - evidenced at the weekend v Spurs - so too is Fernandez-Pardo.
The player is a versatile forward, having operated as a striker in Ligue 1 in recent times but can work off both flanks, more comfortable on the left.
Should the deal be completed - those close to it insist it is close but not yet done - it gives Matthias Jaissle yet more vital forward options, as he looks to implement his fresh ideas and approach on the team.
One player who has looked at odds with the system and style is Nick Woltemade. And the deal for Fernandez-Pardo is seen as vital to unlocking the loan exit of the German international. Juventus head the queue for the player, as things stand.
Plane landing at 6.20pm
Credit where it’s due, this is turning out to be an incredible summer. Wilson is doing a remarkable job. If Murphy leaves and we manage to get that lad in from Holland as well I’ll be speechless!!!