Milner Seals Toon Switch

By Martyn Osmond
July 2 2004

Newcastle today completed the capture of Leeds' teenage sensation James Milner to make their first cash signing since Darren Ambrose joined from Ipswich over a year ago.

Milner was today in Newcastle to undergo a medical and sort out the finer points of the deal with United officials and manager Sir Bobby Robson. The 18-year-old attacker has signed a 5 year contract, and will cost Newcastle an initial £3.5 million possibly rising to £5 million depending on appearances and success.

Although Leeds had been determined to hold onto their prize asset following the departure of Alan Smith to Manchester United and Mark Viduka's imminent switch to Middlesborough, the offer from United was too good to refuse given their well-documented financial plight. Leeds director Peter Lorimer explained "I know the fans will be disappointed, but when a Premiership offer comes in..."

Milner's agent said that although he was disappointed to be leaving his Hometown club, he was "excited about joining one of the premier clubs, who can offer him a major stage and European football."

The youngster will join up with fellow Elland Road old-boys Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer for the start of pre-season training on Monday morning, where there might also be one or two other new faces, as speculation surrounding the future of Nicky Butt continues, as does the search for a new Right-Back after the apparent abandonment of interest in Benfica's Miguel.