Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a fee in principle with Eibar for the defender.
The Magpies are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Eibar centre-back Florian Lejeune, after agreeing to pay the 26-year-old’s £8.7 million release clause, according to the Mirror.
The 6ft 3in central defender is one of Rafa Benitez’ primary transfer targets this summer, as the Spaniard looks to bolster his options in the defensive department.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune (R) in action
Grant Hanley looks like he will be allowed to leave St James’ Park this summer, according to the Chronicle, and the addition of the towering Frenchman would be considered as an undoubted upgrade upon the Scot.
The Chronicle report that a deal for the Eibar man is close to completion, although there is one obstacle holding the transfer up – the manner in which both parties want the deal to be structured.
The Spaniards want the full £8.7 million paid up front, whilst Newcastle have made it clear that they would prefer to stagger the payments.
There will obviously have to be some kind of compromise between the two clubs, and if the signing of Lejeune is as important to Benitez as has been reported, it will surely be the Toon who have to meet Eibar’s demands, rather than the other way around.
Eibar’s Florian Lejeune challenges Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo
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