Newcastle Close In On £9m Signing Of Europa League-Winning Midfielder

Is Banega Tyneside-bound?

By Chris Waugh /

Newcastle United are continuing to look for midfield reinforcements and there are reports that the Magpies are willing to pay the £9 million asking price Sevilla are demanding for Ever Banega. The 34-cap Argentina international is highly regarded around Europe and would prove to be quite a coup for Newcastle, particularly with £14.5 million signing Georginio Wijnaldum already safely through the door. Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli has claimed that Newcastle are looking to tie up a ‚13 million (£9 million) deal for 27-year-old Banega and will offer him ‚3 million (£2.1 million) a year in wages over a four-year contract. https://twitter.com/emagiulianelli/status/621267546658996225 La Gazetto dello Sport and Radio Yorkshire journalist Emanuele Giulianelli tweeted on Wednesday morning:
"Searching an agreement with Sevilla (who) asked ‚13m to Newcastle for Banega. "Offered 4 years at ‚3m/y to the player."
Banega began his career at Boca Juniors in his native Argentina before signing for Valencia for £15 million back in 2008. He made 162 appearances for Valencia over six seasons, scoring 11 goals, as well as playing 24 games on loan at Atletico Madrid. After returning to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina for a period, Banega joined Sevilla last summer and scored three goals in 49 appearances as he helped them claim the UEFA Europa League trophy. Throughout his career, Banega has also won the Copa Libertadores while at Boca Juniors, the Copa dely Rey at Valencia, as well as the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal with Argentina. He has made 303 career appearances in all, netting on 16 occasions. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.