Newcastle to appease fans with deal for 'Champions League proven' star: 'I expect it to get done'

Newcastle United are increasingly likely to get their move for Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez over the line before the 1 September transfer deadline.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Citizens are happy to sell the 24-year-old as part of their "housekeeping."

Newcastle held talks with City over a move for Gonzalez last weekend, and have reportedly now agreed a £50million package deal.

Wyness sees little reason why the deal would not be completed in time, and believes that Gonzalez can provide the quality that Newcastle fans have been crying out for.

The North East outfit drew their opening game of the new season against Liverpool on Sunday, thanks to a performance that left many fans feeling encouraged after a difficult summer.

Wyness believes that the next step is for Matthias Jaissle to add a statement signing to his squad, and he believes that Gonzalez can play that role.

Newcastle secure high-quality midfield replacement

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Gonzalez can replace the kind of quality that has been lost in Newcastle's midfield.

Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have both departed St James' Park this window, but the imminent new arrival may help to deal with that loss.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness made it clear that it will be good for Newcastle to land a "Champions League proven" player.

"I expect it to get done and I think it'd be good for both clubs. City are going to be trading here, and I think they're going to get a decent return," he said. 

"It's as part of the City housekeeping we talked about earlier, and I think it suits Newcastle as well. And I think that the fans will want to see that sort of signing. He's Champions League proven.

"They had a very encouraging start to the season. I think everybody was very happy with the performance. I think they appreciated the youthful approach and the energy and the commitment, but they do want to see some quality given the players they've lost."

Newcastle 'actively' looking for Joe Willock replacement

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Newcastle are ready to accept an offer for Joe Willock before the end of the transfer window.

However, that will rely on the Magpies adding another midfielder to their squad alongside Gonzalez, who could act as Willock's replacement.

The 27-year-old is out of contract on Tyneside next summer, and the club are determined to adoid losing him for free at that stage.

Besiktas are making a "big push" to sign Willock this week, and Newcastle will open the door for him to leave if they can get cover in.