NUFC agree loan deal for Brazilian defender - but he'll only be able to sign on one condition..

According to Catalan newspaper 'Sport', Newcastle are now ‘close’ to completing a deal to sign Barcelona defender Marlon Santos on a season-long loan - however the move will hinge on whether or not he is granted a work permit.

The 22-year old centre-back spent last season on loan with Nice - playing 27 times for the Ligue 1 side - and has played three times at senior level for Barcelona.

Sport claim that he looks all set to sign on loan (subject to work permit), with us paying a fee 2m euros for his services for the season:

https://twitter.com/Sport_EN/status/1027227010903498752

North-East reporter George Caulkin has all but confirmed the latest rumour from Spain (see tweet below), however he admits that the work permit will be an 'issue' - which is a real worry:

https://twitter.com/CaulkinTheTimes/status/1027227586995388418

Marlon has represented Brazil at U-23 level and was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this summer.

Fingers crossed!