Magpies eye Sky Blues ace

Sky Sports understands Newcastle are lining up a move for highly-rated Coventry City midfielder Gael Bigirimana.

Pardew targets move for Bigirimana

Sky Sports understands Newcastle are lining up a move for highly-rated Coventry City midfielder Gael Bigirimana. The 18-year-old enjoyed an impressive first season in the Coventry first-team this term, making 28 appearances in all competitions for the Sky Blues. The all-action midfield dynamo broke into the Coventry side at the start of the campaign and he was rewarded for his progress by being named the Championship's Apprentice of the Year. Bigirimana's performances have seen him likened to Michael Essien in his style of play and his showings have not gone unnoticed by other clubs. Newcastle are believed to have watched Bigirimana on several occasions and they are now weighing up a move to bring the player to St James' Park. Magpies boss Alan Pardew is keen to bolster his squad as he prepares his side for the rigours of playing in Europe next season and he sees Bigirimana as an exciting talent for the future. Coventry are facing a fight to keep hold of Bigirimana following their relegation from the Championship and they would find it hard to resist a sizeable offer for the midfielder.