Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo have a very sure sounding report on Javier Manquillo on Tuesday, claiming the fullback is on the verge of signing for Newcastle United.
Manquillo spent last season on loan at Sunderland, but the club’s relegation to the Championship ruled out the chances of a permanent move.
Diego Simeone doesn’t see Manquillo as part of his key Atletico squad, hence his Sunderland loan, and therefore the 23 year old hasn’t been asked to travel with his Atleti teammates on preseason tour.
Mundo Deportivo claim Manquillo will sign a three year contract with Newcastle, and could even travel for a medical in the ‘coming hours’, which would mean Rafael Benitez wouldn’t be too far away from presenting the player.
Having played for both Liverpool and Sunderland in the Premier League previously, Manquillo would bring the top flight experience that Benitez has been looking for.
There’s no mention of what Newcastle will be paying, and with Manquillo’s Atletico contract ending in June 2018, he could be allowed to leave for nothing or a nominal fee.
