Adrien Rabiot is reportedly now 'close' to a move to Newcastle United in January.

The Lowdown: Moving quickly

Tuttosport reported earlier this week (via Sport Witness) that Juventus ‘hope’ the Tyneside club can turn their interest in Rabiot into a ‘concrete proposal’ for the midfielder.

The Old Lady would reportedly be happy to get him off their books, with no signals that they want to extend his current deal in Italy, which expires in 2023.

However, if the St James' Park club wish to strike a deal, they would have to go through Rabiot's agent and mother Veronique first, who has been described as a ‘volcanic’ character.

Nonetheless, if they can reach an agreement with her, then it should be a relatively easy deal to complete, given Juve's willingness to sell him.

The Latest: Deal 'close'

As per Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Rabiot is now 'close' to moving to Tyneside, adding that his agent 'doesn't hold him back'.

It is also claimed that an offer of just €15m (£12.9m) or less would be 'enough to sell him'.

The Verdict: Bargain

Considering that Rabiot's market value is currently rated at £27m by Transfermarkt, to sign him for a fraction of that price would represent a real bargain.

While £175,000-per-week wages may be too high for where Newcastle are at in their project right now, with their highest earner Allan Saint-Maximin only being given £93,000 per week in comparison, that can always be negotiated down. Indeed, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium have the money at their disposal anyway to pay him whatever contract they see fit.

In terms of his playing style, he would offer more flair in the middle of the park, as France national team manager Didier Deschamps described the 26-year-old as a player who ‘has always had technical qualities’.

Rabiot has averaged more shots, dribbles and passing success per match than Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored), so if they can get him in January, he promises to be a smart signing.

In other news, find out some insight into Eddie Howe's brutal regime here!