Jesus Gamez is due to have a medical at Newcastle ahead of a proposed transfer from Atletico Madrid, according to Sky sources.
The 31-year-old full-back, who can also play in the centre, is expected to complete a move to Tyneside in the wake of Fabricio Coloccini's departure.
Gamez's arrival would help restore some of the leadership lost in Rafa Benitez's dressing room. Gamez captained Malaga before leaving for Atletico in the summer of 2014.
Sky sources also say Newcastle will sign another defender this week having previously brought in two forward players in Dwight Gayle and Matt Ritchie.