Shock horror! Newcastle United are close to actually signing a player.
Newcastle United are believed to be close to completing a deal to sign Lazio left-back Jordan Lukaku, the brother of Manchester United‘s £75m striker, Romelu.
The highly reliable journalist Gianluca di Marzio claims that the left-back has completed a move to St James Park, initially on a season-long loan, with reports in Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad suggesting that the deal includes an option to buy at the end of the season worth £19m (€22m)
Rafael Benitez has long coveted the signing of a new left-back to provide competition for Paul Dummett, although having made just seven appearances for the Serie A side this season, it is yet to be seen as to what role Lukaku will take.
The Tyneside club have until midday on Friday to complete the deal if they want him to be involved in this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Watford.
His first taste of Premier League football should however come against reigning champions Manchester City at the Etihad next Tuesday.