GERARD HOULLIER has told Sam Allardyce he has made a “great signing” in Brazilian international Cacapa. The 31-year-old defender will sign for Newcastle United today on a free transfer after the player had a successful time under Houllier at Lyon. And Houllier revealed that Big Sam has spoken to him about Cacapa before finally deciding to hand the defender a contract at St James’ Park. In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, Houllier said today: “Sam has spoken to me about Cacapa and I have told him that providing they can keep him fit, he will turn out to be a great signing for Newcastle United. “Yes, we had a bit of a fall-out at Lyon last season, but this was because he had refused to sign a new contract. “Now that he is joining Newcastle, they will be getting a very experienced defender which, I understand, is just what Sam is looking for.” The Chronicle revealed that United were signing Cacapa yesterday and contacts were quick to phone me waxing lyrical about the defender who now has a French passport, which means there is no problem about him playing in the Premiership. But I have been told that Cacapa is not the sort of player you usually associate coming out of Brazil, with flashy footwork and silky skills, but more of a no-nonsense defender who likes a battle. And quite frankly, after the lack of bottle some United players showed at the end of last season, this is just what is needed at St James’ Park. Meanwhile, United’s new fitness team have been amazed at just how fit Cacapa is, even though he has practically done no pre-season work. But just how early the third player from Brazil to wear the black-and-white shirt tastes some action will depend on the injury situation. My information is that United will try to sign another central defender before the trip to Bolton Wanderers for the Premiership opener a week tomorrow. But Allardyce tells me he will hang fire as far as another Brazilian – Edmilson – is concerned, instead he says he will wait until the Barcelona central defender is fit again. and he is now a potential target in the January transfer window. | 
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