Modibo Maiga To Have Medical Ahead of Newcastle United Transfer

Newcastle United's deal to wrap up the signing of Modibo Magia now looks a formality. The Sochaux striker's medical is reportedly scheduled to take place in London, ahead of a move to the North East thought to be priced around the £6 million range. A deal between Newcastle and Sochaux has already been agreed but will be confirmed at the opening of the January transfer window. In a much publicised attempt to sign him in the summer, talks between Maiga and Newcastle apparently broke down over the transfer fee Sochaux wanted, with the player and Newcastle desperate for the move to go through. Maiga went absent from his club when the deal couldn't be made and was quickly put in the reserves before recently returning to the first team on good behaviour. He started the season well scoring four goals in his first three games before the transfer window problems, which ultimately lead to a deal being agreed around October. He has since played a handful of times without scoring. Unfortunately for Newcastle the 24 year old will appear for Mali at the African Cup of Nations and will be unavailable for selection from Newcastle almost immediately upon signing. Maiga and Senegal striker Demba Ba could be missing for as many as eight league and cup games depending on how the countries progress.