Toon keen to clinch Aimar deal
Newcastle hope to persuade Pablo Aimar his future lies on Tynesideafter reportedly agreeing a £7million fee for the Argentinian playmaker.
It is understood the Magpies have agreed a deal with Real Zaragosa forthe midfielder, and reports from Spain suggest his representatives areon their way to Tyneside in an attempt to thrash out a deal.
The club, as has been their policy on transfers all summer, was makingno comment today, but they appear to have nudged their way ahead of aseries of other suitors. If the move for Aimar is completed, it will bea welcome boost for fans who have had to deal with a summer ofspeculation.
Vice-president (player recruitment) Tony Jimenez has excellent contactsin Spain, while technical co-ordinator Jeff Vetere is understood tohave spent part of his summer in South America scouting for talent.
Aimar began his career in Argentina with River Plate and enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Spain with Valencia.
However, his time at Zaragoza has proved less fruitful and the chanceto revive his career in England could prove attractive after a proposedmove to Benfica fell through.
Newcastle have already landed his compatriot Jonas Gutierrez, whocompleted his switch from Real Mallorca earlier this month, while theyhave also been linked with Liverpool's young Argentinian defenderEmiliano Insua in recent days.
The Magpies have kept themselves to themselves this summer as Keeganand executive director (football) Dennis Wise and his team have goneabout the business of strengthening the first-team squad under thewatchful eye of owner Mike Ashley.
They pushed through the Gutierrez deal under a cloak of secrecy, andthen completed a lower-profile swoop for Liverpool midfielder DannyGuthrie last week.
A resolution of Steven Taylor's contract situation has also come as aboost to Keegan, who is keen for the club to tie up Michael Owen andSteve Harper on new deals, and talks are under way with the Englandstriker as he enters the final year of his current agreement. |