Newcastle are in pole position to sign Fernando for a cut price £5m.
According to a report in The Sun Newcastle are favourites ahead of Southampton and Bournemouth to land the Manchester City midfielder.
Fernando was one of the main victims of Pep Guardiola’s arrival at the Etihad and made just five Premier League appearances last season.
City are hoping to pick up £8m for the former Porto midfielder but with just 12 months to run on his contract Rafa Benitez is confident of completing a deal for £5m.
The Newcastle boss is keen to bring in time served Premier League experience with the 29-year-old fitting that bill from his time with City and Porto.
After three seasons at City the Brazilian is keen to stay on in England with Newcastle offering the sort of challenge he is looking for with no prospect of a move to the major clubs expected to be competing for a Champions League place.
