Newcastle United tipped to sign Arsenal defender

Newcastle United will land the signature of Rob Holding on loan in the near future, a report from The Times claims.

Holding was fancied to join the Magpies last month, but he ended up making an appearance for Arsenal in their Community Shield win over Liverpool.

According to The Times, the north London side have decided to delay the defender's exit, but he will eventually head out on a season-long loan.

Steve Bruce's side were keen on signing Shane Duffy from Brighton & Hove Albion, but the centre-back snubbed them to join Celtic on a temporary deal.

Hence, Holding has emerged as the alternative target and the 24-year-old is likely to join them following the recent arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille.

The Gunners currently have David Luiz, Sokratis, Gabriel, William Saliba, Calum Chambers, Shkodran Mustafi and Pablo Mari as the other central defensive options.

Sokratis is expected to leave in the next few days amid interest from the likes of Napoli and AS Roma. Mustafi, Mari and Chambers have been out injured.

Mari is, however, expected to return to full training this month and that may pave the way for the departure of Holding to the Magpies on a season-long loan.