Newcastle move closer to signing Gael Bigirimana from Coventry City According to reports, Newcastle have reached agreement with Coventry over the 18-year-old Burundi-born player, who moved to this country as a refugee in 2004, and that discussions are at an advanced stage. Bigirimana, who made 28 senior appearances for Coventry last season, 16 of them npower Championship starts, is expected to cost Newcastle around £1million, although the midlands club are understood to be keen to negotiate a sell-on clause as part of any deal. The player, along with his father, two brothers and sister, followed his mother to England as the family escaped their war-torn homeland. Bigirimana would be the second arrival at Newcastle this summer with 22-year-old Reims midfielder Romain Amalfitano already on the books. Pardew is intent on strengthening his squad both in terms of numbers and quality as he prepares for the new Barclays Premier League season and a Europa League campaign. However, the development of a new generation of first-team players is also a high priority as the club attempts to maintain its astute investment policy. The Magpies continue to pursue a series of senior targets, although progress to date has been slow with FC Twente refusing to budge on their valuation of striker Luuk de Jong, and defender Douglas' move potentially caught up in red tape. Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy remains a target, although Pardew is keeping his options open.