Sources in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 understand that Newcastle United are edging closer to signing Coventry midfielder Gael Bigirimana, with the player expected to undergo a medical at the Sports Direct Arena today.
Bigirimana, the 18-year old Burundi-born player arrived in England seeking refuge in 2004, along with his family as they escaped their war ravaged homeland. He is currently said to be involved in advanced discussions with the Tyneside club.
He has been identified as a potential target by manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew who had been keeping tabs on the youngster.
Newcastle will play in the Europa League this season and are looking to bolster their squad in order to meet the rigours of playing in all major competitions.
Having joined Coventry at the age of 11, he rose swiftly through the ranks. Bigirimana made 28 senior appearances for the club last season as they tried to fight off relegation from the Championship. He is believed to cost Newcastle around £1 million, an
amount Coventry City had to agree to, following their relegation from the Coco-Cola Championship and financial issues.
The midfield enforcer will be the second player to arrive at Newcastle this summer, with 22-year French midfielder Romain Amalfitano being the first signing by the Tyneside club. Bigirimana has been likened with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Essien-c25294 by many due to his ability
to sit in front of the back four and intercept passes and distribute the ball out wide and up front.
Newcastle are investing in their youth system as they believe it remains a major priority for them to develop home grown players and maintain a balance between youth and experienced foreign players.
Bigirimana will be a key addition to their squad, as French international and Lille fullback http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mathieu-Debuchy-c24682 is set to arrive later this week.
Newcastle are also in the market for a striker, having pulled out of the race for Dutch international and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Douglas-c11600 have also arrived to a standstill, with Pardew still looking around to add quality and quantity
to his squad as they prepare for a critical season in the Premier League and the Europa League.
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