Magpies poised for Peru star

Nolberto Solano is an old club-mate of Hidalgo

Peruvian international Martin Hidalgo is expected to sign for Newcastle United this week.

The left-sided midfielder has reportedly agreed a five-year contract and is now on Tyneside ready to put pen to paper on the deal.

I am sure I am going to prevail in Newcastle

Martin Hidalgo

Currently a free agent, Hidalgo is seen as the answer to Newcastle's left-back problems as he can operate anywhere on that side of the field.

"I am sure I am going to prevail in Newcastle," Higaldo told the Sunday Sun.

Bramble move on ice

"I am still young but I have experience of playing in Europe and I aim to improve as a player."

Hidalgo, a former team-mate of compatriot Nolberto Solano at Peruvian club Sporting Cristal, spent two seasons in Spain with Las Palmas.

He played for Argentine side Velez Sarsfield last term and only red tape stopped him signing for Newcastle in 2001.

The 26-year-old impressed manager Sir Bobby Robson in a week-long trial at St James' Park.

But his lack of competitive international experience meant he would not have qualified for a work permit to play in the Premiership.

Robson has tracked Hidalgo for over a year

However, Hidalgo has now appeared in Peru's last 11 matches and in 65% of their games over the last two years.

Newcastle believe that record will be sufficient to earn him a permit on appeal.

Hidalgo was released by Velez Sarsfield this summer as a consequence of the financial crisis that has paralysed the Argentine economy and plunged its football clubs deeper into crisis.

That gave Robson the chance to move for a player he has long been keeping tabs on.

And with Sylvain Distain having moved to Manchester City and Olivier Bernard determined to join West Ham, Hidalgo's arrival is perfectly timed.