Magpies medical for Bigirimana

Newcastle are closing in on Coventry starlet Gael Bigirimana, with the midfielder undergoing a medical ahead of a move to Tyneside.

Bigirimana's performances in the Sky Blues midfield have seen him likened to Michael Essien in his style of play and his showings have attracted the interest of a host of clubs.

However, Newcastle have stolen a march on their rivals and are in pole position to land the midfield dynamo.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew is keen to bolster his options as he prepares his side for the rigours of playing in Europe next season and he sees Bigirimana as an exciting talent for the future.

Academy graduate Bigirimana broke into City's first team at the start of last season and went on to make a total of 28 appearances, earning recognition for his development in March when he scooped the Championship's Apprentice of the Year award for 2012.

Coventry were loath to lose Bigirimana, but due to their ailing financial situation and the club's relegation to League One they have been forced to cash in on the prize asset.