Former Premier League star Kevin Phillips believes bringing Jeff Hendrick to Newcastle United is a no-brainer signing. The Republic of Ireland international has spent the past four seasons with Burnley, but he is now expected to make the switch to the Magpies on a free transfer after his contract expired.

The 28-year-old has already passed his medical with the Tyneside outfit and the move is expected to be completed once the background checks are finished. Ahead of the announcement, Phillips has said that the Magpies have made the right decision to land the Irishman, who is a consistent 8/10 performer.

He told Football Insider: “It kind of almost feels like a bit of a no-brainer. I know Jeff well, worked with him for two or three seasons at Derby. He’s a good lad, he’s gone on and developed well. That’s a good solid signing. You know what you’re going to get out of Jeff week in and week out. You’ll get an eight of 10 performance. He’ll chip in with the odd goal, and like I say, he’s a good lad as well. I think that’s good business from Newcastle’s point of view, especially on a free transfer as well.”

The Magpies were on the verge of a takeover from the Saudi Public Investment Fund earlier this summer, but the move fell through. That has meant that the club are still under the control of Mike Ashley and it remains to be seen whether he is prepared to commit the funds to bolster the squad ahead of next season.

There is the talk of a proposed takeover from a Singapore-based group, but the Magpies fans will be hoping that does not restrict Ashley from spending on new players. So far, they have not made any big-name purchases and goalkeeper Mark Gillespie has been the only signing on a free transfer from Motherwell. The club have, however, convinced Matty Longstaff to sign a new contract. He was recently linked with Bosman moves to Leeds United and Udinese.