Transfer news: Newcastle strike a deal for Montpellier midfielder Remy Cabella, but will wait until the summer

Alan Pardew plans ahead with signing of Montpellier's exciting attacking midfielder

Newcastle-bound Remy Cabella (AFP)

Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Montpellier to sign the former France under-21 international Remy Cabella for a fee in the region of £12m.

The Magpies have trailed Cabella since last summer and had hoped to sign the 23-year-old this month to strengthen their European ambitions.

The deal, however, isn't expected to go through until June.

Alan Pardew, the Toon manager, had planned the deal in anticipation of losing Yohan Cabaye to Arsenal last August but is still optimistic of having both in his squad for the start of the 2014/15 season.

"We have an agreement with the leaders of Newcastle that I will not reveal," Montpellier chairman Laurent Nicollin confirmed.

"But it does not include a departure for Remy before June, it is a certainty."

After a short loan spell with Arles-Avignon, Cabella has impressed in Ligue 1 with fifteen goals in sixty-eight appearances.

Speaking a fortnight ago, the Frenchman seemed intrigued by the interest emanating from the North East.

"For the moment, in my head, I'm 100 per cent Montpellier," he told French radio station RMC.

"If a proposal comes, it is up to the two clubs to discuss and I will think in terms of that.

"I am not aware of what is happening, I am dedicated to playing and that is the most important."