Newcastle United 'activate Fabian Schar release clause'

Newcastle United have reportedly activated the £3m release clause of Deportivo La Coruna centre-back Fabian Schar as the Premier League club near a deal for the Swiss.

Schar, 26, made 27 appearances for Deportivo last term following a move from Hoffenheim.

Newcastle have been linked with a number of central defenders this summer as they desperately look to improve their squad ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

According to Sky Sports News, a deal for Schar is close to completion, with the 42-time Switzerland international due to undergo a medical with the Premier League club on Wednesday ahead of signing a long-term deal.

Newcastle have already completed the signings of Martin Dubravka and Ki Sung-yeung this summer, while Kenedy has returned to the club on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Rafael Benitez's side will open their 2018-19 Premier League season at home to Tottenham Hotspur on August 11.