/world sport
(CNN) -- Newcastle United are close to signing Argentine defender Fabricio Coloccini after his Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna accepted a bid for his services from the Premier League club.
Coloccini has produced impressive performances for Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.
A statement on Depor's official Web site confirmed the two clubs reached a verbal agreement last week and that has now been followed up with a formal written offer.
Reports indicate a fee of around $20 million for the 26-year-old, who has established himself as one of the leading central defenders in the Primera Liga.
Coloccini, who arrived at Deportivo in January 2005 from AC Milan, has made no secret of his desire to move to Kevin Keegan's Newcastle, who are keen to strengthen their back four ahead of the new season.
Meanwhile, Everton striker Andy Johnson has finally completed his switch to Fulham on a four-year deal.
The move appeared to hit trouble last week because of an injury issue, but the 27-year-old England international has now become Fulham's 11th signing since narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season.
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