Signing number two of the summer looks close if Spanish reports are to be believed, with claims that Newcastle have had a ‘significant offer’ accepted for Leganes midfielder Gabriel Pires.
Rafa Benitez is looking to construct a side capable of competing in the top flight next season and according to Spanish source Diario Gol, the Spaniard has given his approval to sign the Brazilian, and looks to have got his man.
Newcastle were credited with an interest in Pires in January, but it is believed the player wanted to help his side stay up in La Liga before considering any potential exit.
The latest rumours suggest that Pires could be Newcastle bound, with a ‘significant offer’ in the region of £6m believed to have made his transfer to Tyneside ‘imminent’ this symmer.
Gabriel Pires to #NUFC looks like it's really on. Although nothing is cemented, the rumour is he's headed to Tyneside soon enough.
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) May 25, 2017
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is said to have been Leganes’ stand out players this season, scoring 5 goals and playing a key role in their survival in La Liga.
With Benitez bound to have several contacts in Spanish football, Gabriel may just represent the sort of hidden gem Benitez will have been looking to unearth this summer.
Time will tell if the rumours are true, but this transfer link looks to have some substance to me.
Gabriel Pires (23) ?? – CD Leganés – 2016/17 – Goals + Assists
A player #NUFC are heavily linked with. Here's a look at his best bits. ??️ pic.twitter.com/ErRmKq9Jr6
— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) May 23, 2017