Martins poised for Newcastle move

Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins says he is about to secure a move to Premiership side Newcastle United.

"I'm close to moving to Newcastle despite all the initial setbacks," the 21-year-old Nigeria international told BBC Sport on Monday.

"Eighty percent of the deal with Newcastle is completed."

Martins has been unsettled since the club brought in Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Argentine Hernan Crespo to strengthen their forward line.

Martins' agent Patrick Bastianelli met Newcastle officials over the weekend to complete transfer negotiations.

A fee of £10.9m ($20.6m) is said to have been agreed between both sides.

Martins said Newcastle's determination to sign him had played a major part in his decision to join the Magpies.

"Playing in the Premiership has been a long-term ambition and I am extremely delighted with the prospect of concluding that in the next couple of days," he added.

Newcastle refused to comment on Martins' claims while Inter said there was "no news" on any developments but that the Premiership side had made an inquiry about the player.

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