Tammy Abraham (left) will join Newcastle
Newcastle United are close to completing the loan signing of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham after they were reassured on Monday that the England Under- 21 international wants to make the move to the North East.
Benitez is also interested in signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers on a season’s loan, but is waiting to hear whether Arsene Wenger wants to keep the centre-back at the Emirates following a successful season at Middlesbrough.
It was initially thought Abraham would sign for Newcastle last week, and the delay raised fears he did not want to leave the south east, particularly as there are other Premier League clubs looking to take him on loan.
However, Chelsea are keen for one of their most exciting prospects to spend at least one season at St James’ Park as they want to expose him to the pressure and expectation that will come at such a big club.
Abraham has already spoken to Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, who was initially confident a deal was close to being finalised last week, but the youngster also felt he should ponder an offer from Brighton before giving an answer.
That was a sensible move by the youngster, who wants to make sure he is given plenty of opportunities to play first-team football next season, but Newcastle appear to have won the battle to sign him.
Abraham is thought to have been particularly excited by the prospect of playing under Benitez, especially when it was pointed out to him that the Spaniard has helped nurture several world-class centre forwards during a distinguished coaching career.
The 18 year-old scored 23 goals in the Championship for Bristol City last season, but both the player and his parent club believe he is ready to play in the top flight.
Rafael Benitez is looking to strengthen his squad.
The exact terms of the deal, which will see Newcastle pay a loan fee, as well as a percentage of the player’s wages, are still being negotiated by managing director Lee Charnley.
But it seems certain Abraham will sign before the weekend after his representatives informed the Magpies hierarchy that he wants to play for them.
Newcastle are also interested in the free-transfer signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, following his release by Pep Guardiola, which is likely to mean they will listen to offers for both Tim Krul and Karl Darlow.
Several other players are likely to be sold to boost Benitez’s transfer kitty, including striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and centre-back Grant Hanley.
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