Big Sam to bag big Serb

Serbian closes on Toon switch

By Francisco Acedo & Patricio Figueroa   Last updated: 3rd August 2007

Big Sam to bag big Serb

Dragutinovic: Eager to move

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Newcastle United are understood to be closing in on the signature of Sevilla defender Ivica Dragutinovic.

The Magpies and Manchester City have both made contact, but it is Sam Allardyce who looks like winning the race to land the imposing stopper.

Sevilla have agreed to let Dragutinovic leave and a deal close to £2.5million is set to be agreed.

Newcastle have offered the centre-half, who can also play on the left, a three-year contract to move to St James' Park and the Serbian is keen on the switch.

Ready for move

"This is the financial opportunity of my life and do not want to reject it," Dragutinovic said.

Sevilla have already moved to sign Dragutinovic's replacement in the shape of Colombian Aquivaldo Mosquera, who has arrived from Mexican champions Pachuca.

The Uefa Cup holders have also agreed to sign Brazilian striker Igor Siqueira Pessanha on a five-year deal.