Real Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente is reportedly nearing a loan move to Real Betis.

The 23-year-old has only started two La Liga matches for Madrid this season, and Newcastle United had been linked with a swoop for the former Spain Under-21 international.

According to El Desmarque, Llorente is heading for a move away from Madrid on transfer deadline day, but fellow La Liga club Betis have won the race ahead of Newcastle.

The report claims that the two clubs are currently in advanced discussions, and the deal is expected to be completed before the transfer window slams shut.

Llorente impressed during a loan spell at Alaves last term, but has struggled to force his way into the first-team picture at Madrid during the 2017-18 campaign.

There does appear to be good news for Newcastle though, with the Magpies said to be close to signing Leicester City forward Islam Slimani on loan for the remainder of the season.