Newcastle make move for Coventry youngster Gaël Bigirimana

Coventry midfielder Bigirimana (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle are set to sign Coventry's young central midfielder Gaël Bigirimana.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Burundi, came to live in England in 2004, and caught the eye of Newcastle's scouting staff last season. Bigirimana played 26 times for Coventry in their relegation campaign from the Championship and was at Newcastle's training ground yesterday as they look to strengthen their pool of youngsters. They are also set to sign the Australian defender Curtis Good.

Newcastle's Europa League play-off first leg could be switched from 23 August to avoid a fixture pile-up with the Premier League trip to Chelsea two days later.