Ryad Boudebouz is prepared to join Newcastle United this summer and Rafael Benitez has agreed to sign the Algeria international, it has been claimed.
The Magpies are one of a number of English clubs who have been regularly linked with the Montpellier attacking midfielder in recent months, as Boudebouz appears to be heading towards the Stade de la Mosson exit door.
According to Algerian magazine Le Buteur, Boudebouz is willing to join Newcastle, while it is also claimed Benitez has made clear to one of the player's agents that he wants to take the Montpellier man to St. James' Park this summer.
Boudebouz has been keen to move to a club playing in the Champions League, but the creative midfielder is excited by Benitez's project at Newcastle and is willing to sign for the newly promoted Premier League team.
Now Newcastle must thrash out an agreement with Montpellier if they are to complete the signing of Boudebouz, as they have not yet presented a bid which works for the Ligue 1 club.
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It is claimed that so far the Magpies have been reluctant to offer the €15m demanded by Montpellier for the Algeria international.
However, Newcastle appear the player's most likely destination, especially as Montpellier have had no contact with Everton and West Brom, who have also been linked with Boudebouz.
And Boudebouz's representatives have also heard nothing from either the Toffees or the Baggies, despite speculation suggesting the pair want their client.
