Newcastle secure loan deal for Slimani

Despite a thigh injury appearing to scupper Rafa Benitez's hopes of a permanent move, the 29-year-old has still allegedly opted to go to St. James Park but in a short-term loan. 

The English media outlet has claimed that the forward landed in Newcastle by private jet on Wednesday afternoon to undergo a medical and finalise the move, which should be announced in a matter of hours.

It could have a domino effect as it seems Newcastle are now allowing Alexsandar Mitrovic to join Anderlecht because the player was keen to leave the North-East club. 

Slimani has made 44 appearances for Leicester, scoring 12 goals, since joining from Sporting CP on 31st August 2016 and was part of the Algerian squad who reached the round of 16 in the 2014 World Cup, before losing to eventual champions Germany in extra-time.