Coloccini 'seals Magpies move'

Deportivo claim defender has joined Newcastle

Last updated: 6th August 2008

Coloccini 'seals Magpies move'

Coloccini: Newcastle deal

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Deportivo La Coruna have announced that Fabricio Coloccini has completed his switch to Newcastle.

The Magpies have been tracking the Argentine defender for some time and announced earlier this week that talks were at 'an advanced stage'.

Coloccini is looking to leave Depor and had threatened to invoke Article 17 in Fifa's regulations in order to walk out on the Galician club.

And Depor have now claimed that the 26-year-old has officially joined Newcastle.

A statement on the Spanish club's official website read: "Real Club Deportivo and Newcastle have this evening (Wednesday) sealed the transfer of Fabricio Coloccini to the English club.

"Both clubs had come to a verbal agreement last week, but today it was signed in writing."

No confirmation

Speaking after Newcastle's 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, manager Kevin Keegan did not confirm the arrival of Coloccini.

However, he admitted he was very confident of strengthening his squad before the close of the transfer window.

He told Sky Sports News: "I still honestly believe that we will get two more players in, maybe three, and then we'll settle down and work very hard with a quality squad.

"You look at the players we used tonight, and the players that weren't there, possibly with two or three additions we'll have a strong squad.

"I think we have to look to finish in the top ten, in the top half, and anything beyond that we'll take our chance.

"Come Christmas we'll see what we're doing and maybe we can strengthen again."