Steve Bruce close to transfer breakthrough at Newcastle United

The Gazette reported on the club’s interest in the Arsenal defender last week, and head coach Steve Bruce could sign Holding – who played in the Community Shield at the weekend – on a season-long loan in the coming days.

The 24-year-old, according to Sky Sports, is “open” to a move to St James’s Park, with Arsenal close to signing Gabriel Magalhae from Lille.

Holding’s expected arrival is likely to lead to a defensive departure given that the club already has strength in depth in central defence. Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez are in the final years of their deals at United.

Newcastle have signed two free agents – midfielder Jeff Hendrick and goalkeeper Mark Gillespie – so far this summer, and re-signed midfielder Matty Longstaff on a two-year deal.