adminNewcastle United are closing in on another major move as Matthias Jaissle looks set to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer deadline.
The Magpies have been working behind the scenes on a deal for a highly-rated forward, with the final details now being put in place ahead of what could be one of the most dramatic moves of the deadline day.
The player in question is Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is expected to travel to Tyneside tonight as Newcastle push to complete the transfer.
According to reports, the loose ends of the deal are now being tied up, although time is of the essence and plans are being made for the 21-year-old to fly to Newcastle this evening.
Newcastle have agreed a fee worth £55m for Fernandez-Pardo, consisting of an initial £51m payment plus a further £4m in potential add-ons.
The Belgian international is expected to undergo his medical before signing a five-year contract with the Magpies.
Newcastle have chased Fernandez-Pardo for much of the summer, although their interest was only recently revived. If everything goes according to plan, he will become the latest senior addition to Jaissle’s squad.
The arrival of the Lille forward, however, could have a major consequence for another Newcastle player.
Nick Woltemade, Newcastle’s club-record signing, is now expected to be allowed to leave the club on loan.
Juventus have been pushing to sign the German international, with club-to-club talks now taking place between the Italian giants and Newcastle. A loan deal with an option to buy is being discussed.
The potential departure of Woltemade comes despite the forward initially wanting to remain at St James’ Park.
The 6ft 6in striker has only recently arrived at Newcastle, but the imminent arrival of Fernandez-Pardo could change the situation dramatically.
That makes the decision particularly significant for Jaissle, who has been backed heavily in the transfer market since taking charge.
Fernandez-Pardo, meanwhile, arrives with a growing reputation and has attracted plenty of praise from European football expert Andy Brassell.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com earlier this year, Brassell said: “I love Fernandez-Pardo.
“He’s kind of a unicorn. It’s taken a long time to work out exactly what he is – I think not just for us but for him as well.
“People looked at him and thought, ‘He’s a winger’, but he’s really flourishing as a centre-forward.”
Brassell also highlighted how the modern centre-forward role has evolved, particularly with Fernandez-Pardo’s ability to operate centrally despite possessing many of the qualities traditionally associated with a winger.
He believes the 6ft 1in forward could eventually become Belgium’s long-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku.
Fernandez-Pardo possesses excellent ability in tight spaces, while his dribbling, pace and ability to beat defenders have helped him make the transition into a more central attacking role.
The forward scored eight goals in Ligue 1 last season, helping Lille finish third and secure Champions League football.
Newcastle’s transfer window
Once Fernandez-Pardo’s move is completed, Newcastle will have made eight senior signings this summer.
Their total spending will also move towards £300m, although sales including Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes mean their net spend remains considerably lower.
There could still be more movement before the deadline, with Nottingham Forest also interested in Jacob Murphy.
Since Jaissle arrived, Amar Dedic, Nico Gonzalez and now Fernandez-Pardo are set to follow him to Tyneside as Newcastle continue to reshape their squad.
The Magpies have also made a positive start to the new campaign, collecting four points from their opening two Premier League matches while progressing in the Carabao Cup.
But the biggest twist could now involve Woltemade.
With Newcastle pushing to complete the Fernandez-Pardo deal, the club-record signing could be the player asked to make way for the new arrival.
Juventus are now working on the deal, and if an agreement is reached, the 6ft 6in forward could leave St James’ Park on loan just as Newcastle prepare to welcome their latest big-money attacking addition.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
admin
