guardian.co.uk
Argentina winger agrees five-year contract for undisclosed fee
Kevin Keegan today made his first significant signing since returning to the manager's office at Newcastle United last January when Jonas Gutierrez, an Argentina international winger, exchanged Real Mallorca for Tyneside.
Although Newcastle declined to disclose the fee, Manchester City lodged a £7m bid for Gutierrez last season while Portsmouth are said to have been prepared to pay around £8m for a primarily right-sided wide man who will be 25 on Saturday.
Keegan seems simply delighted to have finally reinforced a worryingly shallow squad and today said: "Jonas is a wonderful signing for us. I know lots of other clubs were interested in him but he's a terrific addition to our squad. He's an exciting player and I am sure our fans will enjoy watching him."
Although Gutierrez, who has agreed a five-year contract at St James' Park, was identified as a transfer target and then recruited by Dennis Wise, Newcastle's executive director (football), and his sidekick, Tony Jiminez, Keegan's enthusiasm for a player who won his first senior cap for Argentina against France in February this year appears entirely sincere.
Having subsequently appeared for Argentina against Brazil this summer, Gutierrez has been granted an extended holiday and will not join the rest of Keegan's squad when they reconvene for pre-season training on Monday. However the impending arrival of a player who traditionally celebrates scoring - and he claimed five goals in 95 appearances for Real Mallorca after his move from Velez Sarsfield of Argentina - by pulling a spiderman mask over his face, could well influence James Milner's future on Tyneside.
While Newcastle sources insist Keegan is determined to keep Milner, the England Under-21 international right winger is widely admired and may yet depart St James' Park before the end of August.
"I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be signing for Newcastle," said Gutierrez. "The Premier League is the place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates. I want to prove myself to my team-mates this season."
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