Newcastle's move for Barcelona defender Marlon Santos is off
Thursday 9 August 2018 17:03, UK
Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez has arrived on Tyneside for a medical ahead of his proposed move to Newcastle United.
Sky Sports News understands the two clubs are close to agreeing a fee of around £6m for the defender.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has made no secret of his desire to add to his squad before Deadline Day passes and has made a late move for Fernandez as he looks to bolster his defensive options.
The Swans' assistant manager Billy Reid told a press conference: "Fede has been here throughout pre-season and was excellent on Saturday, but he's a player who sees his future elsewhere.
"It's not settled yet, but it looks like he will go to Newcastle."
Earlier in the window, Newcastle brought in Swiss defender Fabian Schar from Deportivo La Coruna, but Benitez is keen to sign the Argentina international to compete with Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark.
French defender Florian Lejeune recently had surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament after injuring his knee during pre-season, meaning he will miss much of the upcoming campaign.
Fernandez made 34 appearances in all competitions last season, as the Swans were relegated from the Premier League.
Newcastle had been linked with Barcelona's Marlon Santos, but Sky Sports News understands that move has fallen through.
