Newcastle United are close to signing 18-year-old midfielder Usman Diabate

Newcastle United are on the brink of finalising a transfer for 18-year-old holding midfielder Usman Diabate from Turkish club Genclerbirligi and the Guinea national team.

As part of the impending deal, the English club will acquire the rights to the promising midfielder, before allowing him to remain on loan at Genclerbirligi for further development and regular first-team experience.

The highly-rated teenager attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, but Newcastle's project and their willingness to keep him in Turkey were pivotal factors in securing his signature.