According to reports in The Mirror, Newcastle United have agreed an £8.7m deal to sign Eibar centre-back Florian Lejuene next month after activating his release clause.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is keen to significantly strengthen his squad this summer and one of the positions he wants to bring in at least a couple of reinforcements in is at centre-back, with the Spaniard unsure that the trio of Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Chancel Mbemba have the experience required to help keep the team away from the Premier League relegation zone.
Benitez is said to want to exploit the La Liga market and he is on the verge of completing a deal for the former Manchester City man, who was only released by the Citizens last summer.
How has Lejeune done this season?
He has been one of the standout defenders in La Liga.
The 26-year-old made 34 appearances to help Eibar to a 10th-place finish, and his contribution at the back was particularly impressive.
The Frenchman produced 195 clearances and 77 interceptions, while he showed his strength in the air by also winning 108 aerial duels.
Is he going to be a good signing for Newcastle?
He could well be, yes.
Lejeune certainly looks to have all of the attributes to make an impression in the Premier League, but of course there will always be a few doubts as he has never played there before.
That said, at a price of £8.7m it is a risk that is worth taking seeing as someone like Hull City’s Harry Maguire could cost more than double that fee.
Does it mean anyone is leaving?
With Lascelles being Newcastle captain and often playing alongside Clark during the promotion-winning campaign you would expect those two to stay, but the future of Chancel Mbemba is far less certain.
Despite impressing on certain occasions in the Premier League following his move to England in 2015, he struggled to break into the side under Benitez in the Championship and he could leave St James’ Park this summer.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, all in all it seems to be like a good move for Newcastle if the defender can quickly adapt to Premier League football, and he could prove to be a bargain buy if he does.
