Newcastle close to signing West Brom winger

West Brom winger Callum McManaman will become the latest player to join Newcastle United, according to journalist Rory Smith.

Twitter: Believe Callum McManaman will become Newcastle’s 12th signing of the summer some time before Wednesday. (@RorySmith)

McManaman, like a number of fringe players at West Brom, has been told that he is free to find another club and it looks like Rafa Benitez has decided to bring him to the North East.

The 25-year-old joined West Brom from Wigan Athletic in January 2015, but he’s not been able to nail down a regular first-team role under Tony Pulis, and the Albion head coach has said he’ll let the winger leave if the club can get their money back for him.

The Baggies paid £4.75million to sign McManaman, so that looks to be what Newcastle will pay to bring him to St James’ Park.

The arrival of McManaman at West Brom was met by optimism from Baggies fans back in January 2015, but Pulis’ team set up and tactics meant that he’s hardly had the chance to prove his value, and a move seems like the best outcome for all parties involved.