Romano confirms agreement ‘almost done’ for Newcastle United to sign rival midfielder

Newcastle United are making major progress in their push to sign Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez, with an agreement between the two Premier League clubs now reportedly close.

The Magpies have been searching for an experienced midfielder following significant changes to their squad this summer, and Gonzalez has quickly emerged as their leading target.

With Man City willing to sanction his departure, Newcastle are now working on the player’s side of the deal and hope to complete the transfer early this week.

Newcastle United make progress in Gonzalez chase

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have made significant progress in negotiations for Gonzalez, with a club-to-club agreement with Man City now almost complete.

Talks are continuing with the 24-year-old’s representatives as Newcastle attempt to finalise personal terms and get the deal over the line quickly.

The situation has moved rapidly. Read Newcastle previously reported Romano’s claim that Manchester City had already approved the possibility of Gonzalez leaving, opening the door for Newcastle to negotiate.

There has also been movement from the player’s side. Newcastle opened discussions with City after identifying Gonzalez as an experienced option to strengthen a midfield that has lost both Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali this summer.

Gonzalez could be exactly what the Magpies need

This deal makes plenty of sense for Newcastle.

Losing Guimaraes and Tonali in the same transfer window removed enormous amounts of experience, technical quality and control from their midfield.

Newcastle have added younger players, but Gonzalez would provide someone who already understands the demands of Premier League football.

His City spell has not quite gone as expected. Gonzalez struggled to become an automatic starter after arriving from Porto, but that does not necessarily reflect a lack of quality.

Competition at City has been extremely strong, and a move to Newcastle could finally give him the regular responsibility he needs.

For Newcastle, the key will be avoiding the temptation to judge him solely on his limited role at the Etihad.

At 24, Gonzalez is still entering his prime and possesses the physical and technical profile to become an important part of Matthias Jaissle’s midfield.