Lille midfielder Yohan Cabaye is set to quit the French champions for Newcastle, according to the French club's coach Rudi Garcia.
The 25-year-old France international told Canal Plus of his planned move to Tyneside over the weekend and Garcia said the same after LOSC completed their Ligue 1 season with a 3-2 win over Rennes on Sunday night.
Garcia said: "Yohan told us yesterday - first me, then the whole group before the game - that he has chosen to join Newcastle.
"It is a choice that I respect, although I wish he continued the adventure with us."
The deal is believed to be costing the Magpies around $7.13million - the amount stipulated to release the player from his contract, which runs until 2013.
Newcastle have also been linked with Cabaye's team-mate Gervinho, but Garcia insists there will be no other departures. "They are all under contract," he said.
"The only one who can leave is Yohan Cabaye. All others are under contract and, if desired, will be in the squad next season."
Cabaye has spent his entire professional career with Lille but hinted recently that he wanted a fresh challenge despite the club having enjoyed a hugely successful campaign with a league and Coupe de France double.
He also made his senior France debut last August in a friendly against Norway.
