NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to complete the capture of Fabian Schar by triggering a £3m release clause in the Deportivo La Coruna defender’s contract.

Deportivo were relegated from La Liga last season, and the terms of Schar’s deal means he can leave his current employers if an interested party pays £3m.

A number of clubs have been in touch with Deportivo officials, and Newcastle have now lodged an interest of their own as they look to push through a deal.

Schar, a 26-year-old Switzerland international, is currently on holiday after representing his country at the World Cup, and is expected to decide on his future in the next week or so.

If Newcastle can complete a transfer, the centre-half will effectively replace Chancel Mbemba, whose move to Porto should finally be completed later this week.

Rafael Benitez has indicated that Schar is now his number one defensive option, although the former Hoffenheim centre-half could opt to remain in Spain.

In that scenario, Newcastle would switch their focus to Federico Fernandez, with the Argentina international expected to leave Swansea in the wake of the Welsh club’s relegation to the Championship last season.

Fernandez, who is also the subject of interest from Russian club Krasnodar, is expected to be available on loan as Swansea look to overhaul their squad this summer.