Magpies agree fee for Montpellier defender

Newcastle have agreed a fee with Montpellier for defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Press Association Sport understands the Magpies have thrashed out a deal with the French club and are now attempting to finalise terms with the player.

Central defender Yanga-Mbiwa, 23, would add strength to a rearguard which has struggled to keep sides at bay so far this season, and with speculation that skipper Fabricio Coloccini could leave Tyneside this month because of personal problems, his arrival could hardly come at a better time.

He would become the Magpies’ second transfer window signing after fellow France international Mathieu Debuchy, although Alan Pardew will take nothing for granted after believing he had landed striker Loic Remy last week before the player eventually opted to join QPR instead.

Newcastle: Krul, Coloccini, Santon, Debuchy, Williamson, Cabaye, Anita, Cisse, Marveaux, Gutierrez, Shola Ameobi.

Subs: Elliot, Perch, Steven Taylor, Bigirimana, Obertan, Sammy Ameobi, Ranger.

Reading: Federici, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Kelly, Leigertwood, McCleary, Kebe, McAnuff, Guthrie, Pogrebnyak.

Subs: Taylor, Gunter, Morrison, Akpan, Karacan, Le Fondre, Hunt.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)