Newcastle closing in on £36million Hoffenheim striker Joelinton

Newcastle are closing in on a £36million deal to land Hoffenheim striker Joelinton.

Toon stepped up their bid to bring the 22-year-old Brazilian to St James’ Park after confirming that Steve Bruce has been appointed the club’s new head coach.

According to reports in Germany, Joelinton was pulled out of the Hoffenheim squad for the friendly against Regensburg so that he can complete the move.

Joelinton, who arrived at Hoffenheim from Sport Recife in 2014, scored 11 goals in 35 games last season.

Bruce flew out to link-up with the Newcastle squad in Shanghai on Wednesday after quitting Sheffield Wednesday to take charge of the club he supported as a boy.

The Magpies were thrashed 4-0 by Wolves in the opening game of the Asia Trophy in Nanjing.

And there were chants of ‘Ashley Out’ throughout the game from the die-hard fans who made the trip to the Far East.

Newcastle’s Argetine defender Federico Fernandez called for the Toon Army to get behind the new boss.

Fernandez said: “I understand the fans and the situation, but for us we want to work, be better as a team, try to work hard, and be ready for the new season.

“We want to show the fans and everyone we can compete.

“Of course, the fans maybe want a different manager or players but we need to work hard to show we are ready for the Premier League.

“We are looking forward to working with him.”

Stand-in boss Ben Dawson, who has been putting the squad through their paces since Rafa Benitez left the club, believes Bruce’s imminent arrival is positive for the club.

Dawson said: “As far as I’m aware, Steve was confirmed before the game today.

“I’m really pleased in terms of the players knowing who is coming.

“We’ve been out here focussing on the preparation for the tournament.

“I haven’t spoken to Steve yet. I’m not sure about the conversations he’s had with Mike Ashley and (managing director) Lee Charnley. I don’t know anything about that.

“Everyone got minutes on the pitch and the manager is travelling here knowing preperations are still going as planned and he has a full squad with him for when he arrives in Shanghai.”