Newcastle swoop to sign Gutierrez but could end up in court
Jonas Gutierrez became Newcastle's first summer signing on Wednesday - but his move from Real Mallorca could end up in court. Manager Kevin Keegan spoke of his delight at capturing the Argentina right winger on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
But Mallorca opened legal proceedings against the 24-year-old for walking out on them and have demanded £12million in compensation.
Toon character: Jonas Gutierrez (left) skips past Brazil's Maicon during a World Cup qualifer in Belo Horizonte last month
Jonas, who has been nicknamd Spiderman for the mask he puts on for goal celebrations, will join his new team-mates later this month after a break following his appearance in his country's 0-0 World Cup qualifier draw in Brazil on June 18.
The right-sided player had previously been linked with a £10million move to Portsmouth.
Jonas said: 'I cannot tell you how excited I am to be joining Newcastle United.
Newcastle boss: Kevin Keegan
'The Premier League is a great place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and prove myself to the Newcastle United fans.'
Manager Kevin Keegan will hope the South American's arrival on Tyneside is the first of several as he attempts to strengthen the squad he inherited from Sam Allardyce.
Keegan said: 'Jonas is a wonderful signing for us.
'I know a lot of other clubs have been interested in him. He will be a terrific addition to the squad.
'He is an exciting player and I'm sure our fans will enjoy watching him.'
Jonas began his career with Velez Sarsfield in Argentina and won the league title in 2005 before heading for Spain.
He was capped for the first time at senior international level against France in February last year.
The club's fans will have a first chance to see him at St James' Park on August 6 when Keegan's side meets PSV Eindhoven in a pre-season friendly before entertaining Valencia three days later.
The signing represents a first breakthrough of the summer for executive director (football) Dennis Wise and vice-president (player recruitment) Tony Jimenez. Fans have been waiting patiently for new arrivals following the departures of Stephen Carr, Peter Ramage, James Troisi, Lamine Diatta and David Rozehnal, with Turkey midfielder Emre set to join them, and will hope the floodgates will now open.
It is little surprise that Keegan's opening capture is a flair player, and his recruitment is likely to be met with approval by the club's strikers.
