Newcastle confident of Fernando signing from Man City with Rafa Benitez set to pay just £5million for anchorman
Brazilian midfielder has been frozen out at the Etihad by Pep Guardiola and now looks set for new move to St James' Park
RAFA BENITEZ is set to land Brazilian star Fernando from Manchester City.
The Newcastle chief has identified him as his first major signing since winning promotion to the Premier League.
Southampton and Bournemouth are also in the running but Benitez is in pole position.
City want £8million for the former Porto man but Benitez believes he can land his target for only £5m to give his squad a huge lift.
Fernando, 29, cost City £12m three years ago but he has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola.
He made just five Prem starts last season and has only 12 months left on his City contract.
Talks have taken place with Fernando ready to move and now it is up to the clubs to reach a compromise.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid chief Benitez has signed Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, 25, on a permanent basis but the Ghanaian was on loan already.
Benitez is also interested in City defender Eliaquim Mangala to help Newcastle establish themselves back in the top flight.
Meanwhile, the Toon chief has won his battle to get rid of chief scout Graham Carr, 72.
The Spaniard wants greater control of recruitment.