Douglas has chosen the Magpies over a move to Serie A.
Newcastle United are set to make their first signing of the close season by snapping up FC Twente defender Douglas on a free transfer, reports fctwente.nu.
Lazio have also shown interest in the 25-year-old but it seems the Brazilian has chosen St James’ Park as his desired destination, as manager Alan Pardew looks to strengthen his defensive options.
Pardew tried to sign Douglas in the summer of 2012 but Toon owner Mike Ashley was not prepared to make the funds available for the centre-back.
However, with the defender’s contract in the Netherlands up at the end of June the Magpies now have the opportunity to sign the player on a Bosman free – with Newcastle set to offer wages of around £28,000-a-week.
Although born in Brazil Douglas has played his football at Twente since 2007, after joining from Joinville Esporte Clube in his native country whilst he was still a teenager.
The centre-back was part of the side that surprisingly won the Eredivisie in 2010 under the management of former England boss Steve McClaren.
Last season Douglas was once again a stalwart in the side as they finished sixth in the table, with the Brazilian playing all but one of the club’s league matches and even scoring four goals.
The defender decided that playing in Netherlands meant he was getting overlooked by coach of his national team Luiz Felipe Scolari and instead decided to pledge his international future to his adopted country as an honourary Dutchman.
Although Douglas has yet to feature for the nation, manager Louis Van Gaal has recognised the centre-back’s talents and called him up to the squad in 2012.
Watch Douglas showing his strength and power by muscling in to score a rare goal.
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