Diatta In Toon
By Tyne-Talk
February 29 2008
Former Bestikas defender Lamine Diatta looks set to join Newcastle United next week as Kevin Keegan appears to have jumped to the front of the queue of Premier League teams who are interested. The Senagal International was being closely followed by both Wigan and Birmingham but Newcastle who have struggled all season to keep the ball out of the back of the net look set to snatch him.
The 32 year old is a free agent and available outside of the transfer window after buying out his contract with Bestikas he is said to be extremely interested in a move to the Premier League.
It has been suggested that he travelled to England last week in the hope of securing a contract with an English club and he is reported to have spent this week training on Tyneside
Diatta who has also played for Toulouse, Marseille, Rennes, Lyon and St Etienne could be signed by Keegan on a short term deal, allowing him to link up with International team mates - Habib beye and Abdoulaye Faye.
Keegan said of the move:
"We just had an opportunity for four days to look at him.
He's the captain of Senegal, and is just back from the African Nations Cup.
Two of our players know him. We will have a look and make our mind up by Tuesday. That is what I have told him."
Newcastle who are still yet to win a game under Kevin Keegan's management are in desperate need of some support at the back and Diatta could fill the void on a short term basis.
Newcastle will be without goal keeper Shay Given this weekend, instead Steven Harper will play against Blackburn Rovers. Harper had 2 good consecutive games after replacing Given both against Aston Villa and Manchester United despite Newcastle losing both matches.
The Eastenders of football.. Newcastle!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:02:29:17:29:36 by Toon Lad Rob.
We have a billionaire owner. Why are we competing with Birmingham and Wigan for 32-year olds who have never kicked a ball in the PL. Ridiculous. Just like last Summer when everyone in the world knew NUFC needed a top-class center back. What did we get? Rozehnal at like 3M and Cacapa and Faye on free transfers. And then we miss out on 7M-pound Woodgate.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Jonathan Woodgate played an important role in helping the Spuds win the Carling Cup, a piece of silverware I'd love to see the Toon win.
But because we didn't get him, we villify him and get all rapturous about this unproven nobody because he excites Birmingham and Wigan-and is a realistic target.
I love Faye, not least because he's a Toon player. But he's not better than Woodgate. Woodgate has indeed now won silverware and he's gone deep into a European competition. He's been learning his trade against PL and La Liga-quality attackers for 12 years. What has Faye got on his CV that compares to that?
This is just like other guys on this team whom Toon supporters love because they play for the club and have heart. Many of these players wouldn't impress the supporters of an Arsenal or a ManUre or Chelsea at all because despite their drive they don't get results. It's a bit cold, but it's not a coincidence that these are teams that get results and the Toon is not (right now). It's also not a coincidence that our team is made up largely of castoffs from those clubs (Smith, Owen, Geremi, Butt and Duff).
The Eastenders of football.. Newcastle!
It will be the same case as Cacapa, an intelligent player who knows what to do, but is a little slower than he used to be.
but i hope hes here only till the end of this season because we dont need unproven flesh again .
If we can get some more experience.. even for the kids.. in for free then whats the issue.
Yes he is not a world beater... but who else is available om a free. ???
As for woody.. he has done his job for the Toon. Great when fit.. made us a fookin tonne of cash. Why would we need a another injury prone player. ??? FFS
Woody to Spuds .. why not. Gives them the impressive King/Woodgate. Top pairing.. well on the treatment table. lol
Company for King thats all.
No-one is slatting him for not pickin the toon...good luck to the Coke heed.
Well they say you are what ya eat.... Better call me 'mother' then rude boy..!
We are the new Bolton, just not as ambitious!!!
Alan Oliver Es En Skjede
Quote:I am, for one.Eggs
I know its a free, but who else is sick of saying "He'll do for now"??
Quote:Good f00king question. Looking into acquisitions like this and scouting out Scotland aggressively makes it seem like he's preparing for the possibility of fizzy pop league football.Eggs
What is our Billionaire owner doing in prep for next season?
