Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Manchester City for midfielder Nico Gonzalez, with the Magpies now set to bring the Spanish international to St James' Park in a £50m deal.
Staff from the club had been based in the North-West awaiting the green light to complete the signing of the former Porto player, spending the night in Manchester before the transfer was confirmed. Gonzalez trained with Manchester City on the day before the move was agreed but said goodbye to his team-mates ahead of his switch to Tyneside.
Gonzalez set to replace Guimaraes
Gonzalez is expected to be deployed as the replacement for Bruno Guimaraes, who left the club earlier in the summer window. The 24-year-old becomes the latest addition to Matthias Jaissle's squad as Newcastle look to strengthen their midfield options.
However, the club's recruitment drive is not expected to end with Gonzalez. Insiders have told Chronicle Live that the Magpies remain "active" and "aren't done" in the market, with a forward and left-back cover among the most likely positions to be addressed next.
Jaissle hints at more arrivals
Speaking after the draw with Liverpool, head coach Matthias Jaissle confirmed there would be further business before the window closes. When asked if there would be more trading, he said: "Yes. Today the lads were doing amazing. It's a young squad, unbelievable, but we have some needs. We know that internally, and we keep that also internally."
Asked how many players he needed to complete his squad, Jaissle said: "You can count it on one hand, I would say." Up to £100m could be spent by Newcastle in the closing stages of the window as they look to move on from summer sales.
Magpies spending spree continues
Newcastle have already sold Bruno, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer but are now prioritising quality and experience in the squad ahead of a challenging campaign. The club will face Tonali at the weekend following his £100m move to Tottenham Hotspur, and will hope the Gonzalez deal gives them a fresh look in midfield.
Jaissle is expected to have made four additions of his own by the end of the window, with Amar Dedic and Gonzalez considered key signings.
