Watford are set to sign Andre Gray from Burnley – who had been linked to Newcastle.
Newcastle United have missed out on another reported transfer target as Andre Gray closes on a move to Watford.
BBC Sport report a fee has been agreed between the two clubs – around £18.5 million.
Gray has only one year left on his current deal at Turf Moor and scored nine times last season.
The Chronicle reported back in March that Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez was interested in the forward – and just last month The Sun reported Newcastle were stepping up their pursuit.
The fee is a substantial amount for the 26-year-old, and Watford’s willingness to pay it has seen them beat Newcastle to the deal.
It would have meant a record spend for Newcastle on a player, with the £17 million they paid in 2005 for Michael Owen still standing.
At Watford, Gray will link up with Troy Deeney up front.
Newcastle have signed five players this summer but are yet to sign a striker, and head into the season with Dwight Gayle and Aleksandr Mitrovic as their top options.
Gray’s imminent move to Watford has gathered a mixed reaction from Newcastle fans, with some believing they should have paid the money, and others feeling they have had a lucky escape.
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