Newcastle United near agreement to sign Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Amid speculation over his future, Matias Fernandez-Pardo (21) was omitted from Lille OSC's matchday squad to face Paris Saint-Germain on Friday night. There have also been reports that the Belgian has been absent from training and, as per a report from Foot Mercato, he may have played his final game for the Ligue 1 side.

Fernandez-Pardo has been linked with an exit from LOSC all summer. Newcastle United have been the keenest suitor for the Belgium international, who competed at this summer's FIFA World Cup. However, for much of the window, there has been a significant gap in the player's valuation between the two clubs. However, Foot Mercato understands that there has now been a breakthrough.

With the end of the transfer window nearing, Newcastle United have stepped up talks for the forward. An agreement is now close, with the Premier League side close to LOSC's valuation for the player.