Newcastle United are in advanced negotiations to secure the sale of goalkeeper Matz Sels to Anderlecht after his loan spell with the Belgian club, according to reliable journalist Kristof Terreur.
The Het Laatste Nieuws reporter, who is one of the most revered writers covering Belgian football, has revealed via his personal Twitter account that the Magpies are closing in on a deal for the 26-year-old, with the shot stopper having already agreed verbally a five-year contract, translating the tweet posted by colleague Pieter-Jan Calcoen.
Sels almost sold. Anderlecht are in advanced negotiations with Newcastle over Matz Sels. The goalkeeper already has a verbal agreement with #RSCA for 5 years. He joined the Belgian club on loan last summer. (Via @PJCalcoen) #nufc pic.twitter.com/alEBZ4NvCD
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) May 23, 2018
De onderhandelingen met Newcastle gaan de goeie richting uit https://t.co/W5aRJaAoMh
— Pieter-Jan Calcoen (@PJCalcoen) May 23, 2018
Sels left St James’ Park on a season-long temporary move back to Belgium last summer having failed to impress for the Magpies, making just 14 appearances before falling behind the likes of Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Magpies need to start shifting some of their deadwood to try and bring in some funds to reinvest over the summer transfer window and Sels will be near, if not at, the very top of the list.
His spell between the sticks was less than impressive and were he to return to Tyneside he could even be fifth choice, with Martin Dubravka and Freddie Woodman both having emerged as contenders for the role.
He never looked comfortable in English football and his signing will go down as a big failure for Rafael Benitez, who has at least made up for it with Dubravka’s capture.
There will be no tears shed over Sels’ exit, and he will only ever be remembered as a footnote in Newcastle’s history.
This is Futbol rating: 10/10
Likely to happen?
It seems as though Newcastle are just days away from finalising the move, and barring some major incident – perhaps a huge injury blow – his days at St James’ Park are coming to an end.
He will not be the only exit from Tyneside though, and this is the first of a big overhaul this summer.