United close in on deal for £13.5m Lewis

NEWCASTLE United wre last night closing in on a third major signing in 24 hours after Norwich left-back Jamal Lewis was left out of the Northern Ireland squad to complete a £13.5m move.

Lewis was left out of the team to face Norway in the Nations League and was set to fly to Tyneside for a medical after Norwich accepted the offer tabled on Saturday.

Newcastle want the defender signed as soon as possible so he can train with his new team-mates ahead of Saturday’s trip to West Ham.

United will be without Paul Dummett for the opening game of the season and need reinforcements urgently.

Lewis will answer that call, joining Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser as new arrivals that have lifted the mood at St James’ Park. An announcement could come today.

Northern Ireland manager Ian Barraclough said he had been left out with a “niggle”, but a wry smile crossed his lips when asked about the imminent Newcastle medical.

“A lot of stuff has been going on with him. He’s got a lot to contend with at the moment. There’s a little niggle and we didn’t risk (him). We’ve not risked anyone,” he told Sky Sports.

“We’re in a position where we can’t afford to lose players in the long-term.

“There’s a bigger picture than tonight and it wasn’t a risk we were going to take tonight.”

Asked specifically about the Newcastle medical, Barraclough admitted the player might be protecting himself ahead of a big money move.

Lewis was at Windsor Park for the match but was due on Tyneside for a medical.

“It’s not a head injury! It can put doubt in your mind,” he said.

“He played 90 minutes the other day. It was his first 90 minutes and as with all players we’ve got to be aware of what you may pick up throughout pre-season.

“We’ve got to make sure they all get through to next week fit because if we lose somebody it’ll impact on Bosnia as well. When we’ve got fit players raring to go, someone else comes in.”

However Newcastle have been left to wait on Rob Holding. Arsenal are considering keeping the defender at the Emirates according to sources in North London – which has left United to look at alternatives.

Newcastle were expecting to add Holding to their squad in the coming days.