France Football report Newcastle have agreed signing, player expected to travel for medical

It was announced this morning by Sky Sports, and France Football have all but confirmed it: Islam Slimani is heading to Newcastle United.

The Algerian striker, who has struggled to get himself into the Leicester City team regularly since his arrival from Sporting CP, will be loaned to Rafa Benitez’s side until the end of the season, at which point the Magpies will need to decide if they want to pay a pre-agreed clause to keep him or not.

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West Ham are said to have also tried, but no agreement was found with David Moyes’ side, who are keen to find a new striker since Diafra Sakho’s exit to Rennes in France.

Islam Slimani is expected to travel to Newcastle today to pass his medical and sign his contract.

Despite rarely starting under Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel, the 29-year-old has always performed when called upon, especially in the cups, scoring five goals in 645 minutes of football, as well as picking up two assists.