Newcastle United have struck terms with Lille for fullback Mathieu Debuchy.

PA Sport says the Magpies have finally reached an agreement with the Ligue 1 side on a €6 million transfer after failing to land the player despite protracted talks during the summer.

The 27-year-old, a former team-mate of midfielder Yohan Cabaye, has made no secret of his desire to head for Tyneside, and a resolution to the long-running saga would come as a huge relief to manager Alan Pardew.

Sources in France have indicated that could now happen with the transfer window due to open on Tuesday, and that would come as a timely boost for Pardew after a difficult festive programme.