Gladbach striker De Jong close to Newcastle deal

Borussia Moenchengladbach's Luuk de Jong challenges Eintracht Frankfurt's Sebastian Rode (L) during the German first division Bundesliga soccer match in Moenchengladbach October 7, 2012. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender

BERLIN (Reuters) - Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Luuk de Jong is close to signing for Premier League club Newcastle United and is on his way for a medical in England, the Bundesliga club said on Tuesday.

"Luuk needs playing time," said Gladbach coach Lucien Favre. "It would be a good opportunity for him and the decision would be beneficial for all involved."