Newcastle United are on the brink of a £30m deal for Benfica's Amar Dedic, with the full-back expected to arrive on Tyneside this evening. The move represents the first stage of a two-tier transfer plan, according to sporting director Ross Wilson, ahead of next Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool.
Dedic deal close
The Magpies faced Bayer Leverkusen without a senior right-back, with Mason Miley impressing in a 2-1 defeat and earning man of the match honours. Head coach Matthias Jaissle singled him out for praise in his post-match press conference.
Chronicle Live reported on Saturday morning that the Dedic deal was progressing, with club officials finalising the transfer of the former Red Bull Salzburg man on Sunday.
Palhinha loan possibility
A midfielder is expected to follow Dedic, with Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha a possibility if Wilson can secure a deal. A move to Aston Villa collapsed after negotiations failed, with Bayern's transfer chief Max Eberl saying on Friday that a loan deal with Villa 'simply won't work'.
Eberl hinted at flexibility over Palhinha's exit, saying: "I've never said that [only permanent]. We have to see. There are many different possibilities nowadays. It could be that someone says 'we're ready to pay a high loan fee', then you say 'OK, we have to accept'."
He added: "I can't push Joao to a particular club, and Joao can't tell us I'll only go to a particular club, and the other club can't tell us I'll only offer you this and nothing else. The talks take place between three parties. And it has to be a fit for everyone."
Jaissle's quiet introduction
Jaissle had a low-key introduction to life at St James' Park before kick-off, with no grand entrance despite photographers being positioned near the dugout. Unlike previous managers such as Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan, his welcome was limited to an image and warm greeting on the new scoreboards.
The new scoreboards also prompted concerns from some Gallowgate End supporters, who said the additions restricted views from behind the goal, with the away end at the top of Level 7 no longer visible from certain seats.
Pope's future uncertain
Nick Pope's future remains unclear, with suggestions he could be close to a Newcastle exit. Jaissle started Lukas Hornicek against Leverkusen, with Ewen Jaouen expected to play against Strasbourg and considered the club's No 2 goalkeeper this summer.
Pope is reportedly on Hull City's wish-list, while a move to Ipswich Town was rumoured earlier in the summer. The England international is said to be frustrated and does not want a role as third-choice keeper.
