Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is closing on a deal for Manchester City midfielder Fernando.
The Sun says Benitez has identified him as his first major signing since winning promotion to the Premier League.
Southampton and Bournemouth are also in the running but Benitez is in pole position.
City want £8 million for the former Porto man but Benitez believes he can land his target for only £5m to give his squad a huge lift.
Fernando, 29, cost City £12m three years ago but he has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.
Source: tribalfootball.com