Newcastle and Freiburg have come to a full agreement over the transfer of Swiss midfield Johan Manzambi, reports Florian Plettenberg.
The Magpies have lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali already this summer, while Bruno Guimaraes wants to leave. They moved quickly to land Bazoumana Toure to replace the former, and Manzambi has been their main midfield target.
It appears that deal is done, with Plettenberg reporting a near-£51million transfer is in place, with Newcastle having come to an agreement with Freiburg.
Following the club-to-club agreement, the Magpies are finalising an agreement with the player himself, who'll be given a long-term contract.
It is believed that Aston Villa were pushing for Manzambi, knowing they'll be without the injured Amadou Onana for a while, but Newcastle are winning the race.
Manzambi remains focussed on the World Cup, where Switzerland will play Argentina in the quarter-final, but afterwards, the deal seems it will go through.
The midfielder is in electric form in the competition, with three goals and two assists to his name. There's only been one game in which he hasn't scored or assisted, though he missed the round of 16 tie with Colombia with a minor injury.
Newcastle could lose Guimaraes
The necessity to bring in a new midfielder has become even greater at Newcastle after Guimaraes told the club he didn't want to remain there.
While he's not going to actively push to leave, letting the club make a decision, it seems he's aware of Arsenal interest, with bids already having been lodged.
The suggestion is that an offer between £65-90million will see Guimaraes sold, and it's believed the Gunners are coming back in for him.
Some reports have suggested the Brazilian midfielder has already agreed personal terms with the Emirates outfit.
If he is to leave, with Manzambi coming through the door, Newcastle might have to source another new midfielder.
They have already raised £170million this summer, and there'd be more coming into the account should Guimaraes leave, so there'll be money to burn.
So far, the Magpies have been sensible with their spending, and even if there is another big exit, that is likely to continue so they remain in line with financial regulations.
