Newcastle United are closing in on a £7 million deal for Real Zaragoza midfielder Pablo Aimar.

The Mirror says Toon boss Kevin Keegan was given the all clear to get the skilful forward last night after his transfer negotiators struck a deal with Spanish club Real Zaragoza under the noses of Portsmouth, Sunderland and Benfica.

Aimar, 28, a Keegan-type attacker, was close to joining Benfica yesterday but decided he would like to come to England when Newcastle met the asking price and cleared his route.

Agents working for Aimar are due to fly in today and close the deal, with the Argentinian likely to follow soon after to have a medical.