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According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, Monaco defender Antonio Barreca arrived on Tyneside on Wednesday ahead of his reported move to Newcastle United.

Barreca joined Monaco from Torino last summer and he has made nine first-team appearances for the relegation-threatened Ligue 1 outfit this season.

However, according to Downie, Barreca was in England on Wednesday preparing to undergo a medical with Newcastle, which will take place on deadline day.

It is understood that Newcastle will pay £1m to loan the defender for the remainder of the season, but the agreement will include a £9m purchase option.

It is shaping up to be a very busy 24 hours for Newcastle, who unexpectedly beat reigning champions Manchester City 2-1 in the Premier League on Monday night.

A number of Newcastle fans have been commenting on the Barreca update on social media, and a selection of their Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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