RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis is close to joining Sao Paulo on loan, according to media reports in Brazil.
The clubs are in advanced talks about a deal that would initially tie the 26-year-old to the Brazilian Serie A club until June 30 with an option to make the deal permanent, Globo Esporte reported on Saturday.
It added that Lewis was a priority target for Sao Paulo manager Luis Zubeldia given that his current starting left-back, Welington, has signed a pre-contract to join Southampton in January.
Lewis has made 36 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle since joining the Premier League club from Norwich City in 2020. The Northern Ireland international spent last season on loan at Championship side Watford.
Sao Paulo are currently fifth in Brazil's 20-team top-flight standings, nine points behind leaders Botafogo. ■
