Swansea defender Federico Fernandez headed for Tyneside on Thursday afternoon as Newcastle attempted to push through a deadline day deal.

With the two clubs still working to agree a fee, the 29-year-old Argentina international made his way to the north-east to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.

The Swans’ assistant manager Billy Reid told a press conference: “Fede has been here throughout pre-season and was excellent on Saturday, but he’s a player who sees his future elsewhere.

“It’s not settled yet, but it looks like he will go to Newcastle.”

Frustrated Magpies boss Rafael Benitez has spent much of the summer transfer window seeing his best-laid plans thwarted by the club’s unwillingness to fund his recruitment plans.

However, a knee injury to Florian Lejeune, which could see the Frenchman miss much of the new campaign, and the departure of Chancel Mbemba means he is short at the back.

Fernandez, who joined the Swans from Serie A side Napoli in August 2014, has two years remaining on his existing deal.