VURNON Anita was today set to join Newcastle United in a £6.6m deal.
The Ajax player arrived on Tyneside from Amsterdam yesterday to discuss personal teams and undergo a medical.
Anita – who can play as a defensive midfielder and at left-back – has been offered a five-year deal.
Ajax last week accepted a bid from Newcastle, who have been tracking the 23-year-old for some time.
Anita told reporters in Holland after Sunday’s game against AZ Alkmaar that he was set for talks with United after the two clubs finally agreed a fee.
Should the deal go through, the Holland international would become the club’s most significant summer signing yet.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is hoping for another two arrivals before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
l NEWCATLE United’s Shane Ferguson has a big future for club and country, according to Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill.
Ferguson scored a stunning goal in last night’s 3-3 draw against Finland at Windsor Park, Belfast.
The 21-year-old missed Newcastle’s pre-season campaign through injury, and only made one appearance for the club’s reserves ahead of his international call.
And Ferguson announced his return to fitness in style with a superb left-footed shot early in the game.
“I’m pleased for Shane,” said O’Neill.
“He’s a player with a big future, not just at club level, but also with us at international level.
“Since I came in, he’s probably been one of the brightest aspects of it, and it was great to see him get off the mark with a great finish.”
O’Neill – whose next assignment, Russia away, is perhaps the toughest he will face in World Cup qualification – was content to take a balanced view on proceedings.
“There were aspects to be pleased about and aspects to work on,” he said.
