In talks: PIF on course to secure £21m Newcastle signing, Howe will be buzzing - opinion

A big Newcastle United update has emerged regarding their pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window.

Speaking on his YouTube channel (via Sport Witness), Brazilian journalist André Hernan has revealed that the Magpies ‘should’ sign the left-back ahead of next season.

He has claimed that talks are ongoing and at an advanced stage between PIF and Atletico Madrid, with the Tyneside club in a ‘strong’ position to make him one of their first signings of the summer.

This comes after a report last month claiming that the Magpies will present an offer in the region €25m (£21m) for the full-back.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will surely be buzzing with this news, as it strongly suggests that he will have the chance to work with Lodi at Darsley Park next season.

The left-back is a young player with potential who has also experienced plenty of football at the top level, which would make him an exciting addition for the club if they can get a deal for him over the line.

At the age of 24, he is still a few years away from the peak of his career, so the Toon would be bringing in a player with scope for development. He is someone with whom Howe could work on the training pitch to improve his performances and, in turn, increase his value for a possible sale in the future.

Lodi also has plenty of experience under his belt. The full-back has played 39 times across La Liga and the Champions League this season, after featuring on 31 occasions in those competitions last term. This shows that he knows what it takes to perform at the very top level in Europe, which should stand him in good stead with adapting to the Premier League.

Howe would also love what the 24-year-old would offer in the