Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign French youngster Mehdi Abeid from Ligue 1 side Lens.
The 18-year-old defensive midfielder is highly-rated in France, and the Magpies have beaten a host of interested clubs throughout Europe to his signature.
Talking to L’Equipe, Abeid revealed his move to the Premier League: “After eight fantastic years at Lens, I have stagnated. I needed a change of air. I am not afraid to leave for abroad, I have had contact dating back some time and I visited the facilities there last week. I even trained with the reserve team.”
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“The owners of the club told me about their plans and that they will rely on me for next season. For my part, I intend to give everything to develop in the Premier League.”
Abeid, who comes from Tunisian descent, may find first team opportunities more forthcoming after news today that Joey Barton will not be offered a new contract with Newcastle, and therefore may be sold in the Summer or next January.
