The Chronicle Live is reporting that Newcastle United have agreed a fee with Blackburn Rovers for centre back, Grant Hanley.
The Scottish international has long been on Rafa Benitez’s radar but it was feared the deal would stall with Newcastle having three previous bids rejected. Now it seems that Rovers have agreed to a fee of £5.5m.
Speculation was rife late last week that Norwich City had moved into pole position for his signature. Thankfully that’s proven to be misinformed with the Magpies almost matching the fee of £6m which Blackburn were believed to seeking.
It remains to be seen if he has the ability he is credited with but in terms of an identikit signing, Hanley fits this season’s profile – bags of experience at this level and he wants to play for Newcastle. It also recognises the club’s ambitions to return to the Premier Leaue at the first attempt.