Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that the potential arrival of Mathieu Debuchy would give "everybody a boost" at St James' Park.
Pardew has been tracking the France international for some time and reports surfaced this week that a deal had finally been agreed.
The Newcastle boss admitted that the transfer would give his side a lift, but pointed out that it is not done yet.
"When you sign good, international players, which he is, it's going to give everybody a boost, your senior players too," said Pardew.
"I hope that's the case - but we are still far from a deal yet."
Debuchy recently said that he would not leave Lille mid-season but it seems that circumstances have now changed.