Newcastle United transfer target travels for deadline day medical amid loan agreement

Newcastle United’s reported interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler has ended as the German international closes on a loan move to Benfica.

Reports in France had suggested the Magpies were still keen on a move for the German international, with Media Foot stating United were ‘charging’ to complete a move ahead of tonight’s deadline.

Draxler has been out of favour at PSG and has been repeatedly linked with a move away throughout the summer.

Speaking whilst on international duty earlier this summer, the 28-year-old addressed his lack of game-time after making just 18 Ligue 1 appearances for the Parisian giants.

He said: “I haven’t spoken to the coach personally, but he has already told us, as a team, that he needs players who are fit, who are in the rhythm.

“I need to play more games for the World Cup. We’ll see what happens this summer.”

But Portuguese outlets Sport and A Bola have now reported the former Schalke 04 star is already in Lisbon and is ready to complete a season-long loan move to Benfica.

The move gathered pace on Wednesday as journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed ‘an agreement in principle’ had been reached to take the attacking midfielder to Estadio da Luz before the transfer window closes later tonight.

Draxler will not be the only departure from PSG today as defender Layvin Kurzawa - who was linked with Newcastle in January - is set to join Fulham on a season-long loan deal that could be made permanent at the end of the season.