Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was today poised to make a significant transfer breakthrough as he closed in on Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy.
Press Association Sport understands the two clubs are close to agreeing a deal for the 26-year-old defender, who was part of France's Euro 2012 finals squad.
The Magpies have been on Debuchy's trail for some time, but have so far been unable to persuade Lille to part with the player, and reports earlier this week suggested they were ready to offer him a new deal.
However, it appears things could now move quickly and that Debuchy could become Pardew's third, but most significant, summer signing to date.
Current first-choice right-back Danny Simpson has so far not signed a new contract on Tyneside and his departure is looking increasingly likely as he prepares to enter the final year of his existing deal despite his insistence that he wants to stay.
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