JAMES TAVERNIER looks destined to leave Newcastle United after Wigan Athletic agreed a fee for the defender.

Tavernier came up through the ranks at Newcastle having joined from Leeds United at the age of 15, but despite making a big impression in his first few seasons on Tyneside, the 22-year-old has struggled to break into the first team having made just ten senior appearances.

The right-back spent last season on loan at Rotherham and played a pivotal role in helping the Millers achieve promotion to the Championship.

There was suggestions Newcastle boss Alan Pardew would take a look at Tavernier in pre-season, especially given the fact Mathieu Debuchy is the squad’s only natural right-back, but with the 22-year-old entering the final year of his contract at St James’ Park it appears the club has decided to cash-in on him.

Rotherham manager Steve Evans was keen to turn Tavernier’s loan spell at the New York Stadium into a permanent deal, but Wigan boss Uwe Rosler has moved quickly to agree a deal to land the highly-rated youngster.

Days after Debuchy failed to rule out a move away from the Magpies while on World Cup duty with France, reports have emerged that Paris St Germain and Arsenal are ready to make offers for the defender.

It looks increasingly likely that the Magpies will have to fight to keep the 28-year-old on Tyneside after some eye-catching displays for Les Blues in Brazil.