Lee Ryder has confirmed on his official Twitter page that a deal is 'almost done' for Newcastle United to sign Matthew Bondswell from RB Leipzig.

The Chronicle journalist had confirmed earlier in the week that the St James' Park outfit were in talks to sign the England under-18 international on a free transfer but faced competition from other sides in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, it looks as if the Magpies have beaten off that competition and Bondswell should arrive soon.

Bondswell one for the future

Bondswell certainly seems a player for the future at the Tyneside club (should he sign) being just 18 years of age, but he has a lot of potential to make it to the very top of the beautiful game.

Stefan Krause, who is the Leipzig reporter for Bild, has recently told The Chronicle that he is 'highly-rated', while the Bundesliga website has compared him to Bayern Munich star and UEFA Champions League winner David Alaba, saying that he has a 'God-given athleticism', a 'cultured left foot' and a 'malleability' which allows him to play in a number of different roles in the side.

Bondswell is clearly highly-regarded, and so it looks as if Steve Bruce's team have got themselves a bargain on their hands on a free transfer, assuming this reported deal gets over the finish line.

In other news, find out what arbitration claim on the potential NUFC takeover has been dropped by a sports law specialist!