Newcastle set to sign Bordeaux midfielder Henri Saivet for £5m

Newcastle have agreed a deal with Bordeaux to sign midfielder Henri Saivet.

Sky sources reported on Monday morning that the Senegal international was on Tyneside finalising personal terms and undergoing a medical after flying in from France this morning.

Manager Steve McClaren later confirmed this was the case in a press conference and it is understood the fee agreed between the clubs is £5m.

Newcastle, who have also begun talks with Swansea to sign out-of-favour midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, hope to confirm Saivet's signing in next 24 hours.

Bordeaux head coach Willy Sagnol said on Monday: "The two clubs have come to an agreement. There's just a few details to iron out and a medical.

"He's been wanting away for a while. He needs a new challenge and there comes a time when you have to let a player go when he's done a good job for you."

The now 25-year-old Saivet joined the Bordeaux academy as 12-year-old but only has 18 months left on his contract at the Ligue 1 club.

He represented France at every youth level from U16 to U21 before opting to play for his native Senegal, for whom he has five caps, in 2013.

Saivet is a right-footed central-midfielder of medium height and build, known for his defensive attributes as a dogged ball-winner.