Newcastle United hope to close the signing of Swansea City fullback Neil Taylor this week.
The Evening Chronicle says Taylor left Tyneside on Friday with the intention of informing current club Swansea that he had agreed terms on a five-year contract at St James' Park.
He was expected to be unveiled as a United player on Monday - their fourth signing of the summer. The club insist there's nothing sinister in the extended wait, with only "formalities" to be completed on the transfer.
There were rumours on the internet yesterday that Everton had made a late bid for his services, promising him first-team football if their England international left-back Leighton Baines was allowed to move on.
But sources close to the player are adamant that United remain the only club in the race for Taylor's signature - and a deal is close to completion.
