Newcastle United have won the race to sign Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim the newly promoted Premier League club have agreed a deal with Chelsea in which Abraham will move to St James’ Park on a season-long loan.
The Times report that manager Rafael Benitez has taken advantage of his good relations with the reigning champions following his spell as manager at Stamford Bridge to secure the 19-year-old for the 2017-18 campaign.
It is said that Newcastle have beaten fellow new boys Brighton to the signing of Abraham, who does not turn 20 until October, and it represents a major coup for Benitez as he aims to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League next season.
Abraham has just completed an exceptional season on loan at Championship outfit Bristol City, where he scored 26 goals from 48 appearances in all competitions.
His form has caught the eye of a number of suitors and prompted a call-up to the England Under-21 squad on Monday for this summer’s championships.
Chelsea are only prepared to let Abraham leave on loan as they regard him as a player with the potential to make it as a first-teamer at Stamford Bridge.
The London-born youngster has yet to figure for the Blues’ senior team, although he has scored 13 goals in 29 games for the club’s Under-23s.
Abraham could become Newcastle’s second summer signing following the recent arrival of winger Christian Atsu, who has signed on a permanent deal from Chelsea.