RAFA BENITEZ'S Newcastle United transfer agony is over after agreeing a £6million deal for Federico Fernandez.

Argentinian centre-half Fernandez has been a Benitez target for weeks but the fee was finally thrashed out with Swansea City with hours to spare.

3 Swansea defender Federico Fernandez is closing in on a move to join Newcastle Credit: Getty - Contributor

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Fernandez trained at Swansea in the morning as the move hung in the balance, but then headed for a medical with personal terms not an issue.

The defender wanted to stay in the Premier League and Benitez needs him as he is short of centre backs.

The pair worked together before at Napoli and have a mutual respect.

Fernandez is being allowed to go by Swansea to raise cash and reduce their wage bill.

3 Argentinian international Fernandez has racked up 32 caps for the South American nation Credit: Reuters

3 Fernandez has been a key player for the Swans since joining the club in 2014 Credit: Getty - Contributor

Even with reduced salaries in the Championship because of relegation clauses they need exits.

Swans have moved fast to bring in a new player with Declan John, the former Cardiff defender, down for talks to join from Scottish giants Rangers.

Fernandez joined the Swans in 2014 from the Serie A giants, and went on to become a key player for the Welsh outfit.

A two-time Coppa Italia winner, Fernandez has racked up 126 appearances since making his debut - netting just twice.