It looks like there will be no Parisian chapter for Illia Zabarnyi after all. The Ukrainian international and AFC Bournemouth centre-back will remain in the Premier League – but possibly not with the Cherries.

According to reports from Ukrainian outlet TaToTake, Paris Saint-Germain had emerged as the front-runner in the race for Zabarnyi’s signature. The 21-year-old had already agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 champions, and a deal seemed imminent.

However, Bournemouth rejected PSG’s €60 million bid, standing firm on their €70 million valuation of the highly-rated defender. Negotiations subsequently broke down, and the French giants withdrew from the race.

Enter Newcastle United.

The Magpies are understood to have matched Bournemouth’s €70 million asking price and added performance-based bonuses to sweeten the deal. The ball is now in Zabarnyi’s court: if he agrees to terms with Eddie Howe’s side, the transfer will be completed swiftly. If not, he will remain on the South Coast, where he has already begun pre-season preparations with Bournemouth.

Zabarnyi made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season, impressing with his composure, physicality, and tactical maturity.