Arabic version: نيوكاسل يقترب من صفقة فيرنانديز-باردو بقيمة 55 مليون جنيه إسترليني

According to BBC News, Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo in a deal worth up to £55m. The club have been pursuing another attacker in the final days of the transfer window after making seven signings this summer.

Fernandez-Pardo was left out of Lille’s squad for last week’s 2-2 draw with Paris St-Germain. The 21-year-old has also been ordered to train away from the first-team squad until the window closes on Tuesday and his future is resolved. Newcastle are finalising a move that could allow fellow forward Nick Woltemade to leave on loan, following interest from Juventus.

The Belgium international, who has won five caps, has been a long-standing Newcastle target dating back to former head coach Eddie Howe’s time in charge. He fits the age profile Newcastle have been targeting and can play in several positions across the frontline.

Among players aged 21 and under in Europe’s big five leagues last season, Fernandez-Pardo ranked second for big chances with 21. He was fifth for touches in the opposition box with 184, fifth for shots on target with 30, and seventh for combined goals and assists with 13.

Manager Matthias Jaissle said after Saturday’s 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur: “We know our needs. Ross [Wilson, the sporting director] is doing an amazing job.” He added that Newcastle had a couple of days left and would not “panic and do something crazy” that the club did not believe was the right decision.