Saturday 27 August 2016 13:26, UK
Palermo defender Achraf Lazaar is to have a medical at Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, according to Sky sources.
The two clubs have agreed a transfer fee for the 24-year-old Morocco international to move to St James' Park on a permanent deal.
Lazaar will now put pen to paper on a contract with the Magpies if he agrees personal terms and passes the medical.
The 24-year-old is expected to watch the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle and Brighton, which kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1HD, from the stands.
Lazaar was born in Casablanca in Morocco and moved to Italy in 2003. He started his career with Serie B side Varese before moving to Palermo, initially on loan in January 2014, and has since made 73 appearances for the club and scored three goals.
Lazaar, who has 16 caps for Morocco, can also play on the left side of midfield and has been reportedly linked with Marseille, West Ham, Southampton and Crystal Palace this summer.
