NEWCASTLE United are lining up a move for Young Boys of Berne defender Kamil Zayatte after the player turned up at the club’s training ground today.
Kevin Keegan confirmed to the Chronicle that the 23-year-old Guinea international trained with United today before they flew down to London for tomorrow’s game with Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium.
But United were not making any comment on reports coming out of the Midlands hinting that James Milner was on his way to Aston Villa to complete a £10m move.
This was backed up by information, again unconfirmed, that Milner was not in United’s squad for the game with Arsenal.
Zayatte has been training with Everton this week and the word from Merseyside was that he impressed manager David Moyes.
But when Everton supremo Bill Kenwright made a 4m offer for the player, it was turned down by the Swiss club.
My information is that Zayatte was on Tyneside for talks with United officials yesterday afternoon.
And his agent Willie Mackay told me today: “He is at Newcastle today and, considering he can play at right-back, central defender and as a holding midfielder, he could be a very valuable signing for them.
“He played for Guinea against the Ivory Coast a couple of weeks ago and this has alerted a lot of clubs.”
Apart from Everton, Fulham are also looking at Zayatte, but his appearance at the training ground today has put United in the driving seat.
:: NEWCASTLE midfielder Jonas Gutierrez and defender Fabricio Coloccini have been called up to the Argentina squad by coach Alfio Basile ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.
Argentina lie second in the World Cup South American Qualifying Zone with 11 points, two less than leaders Paraguay who they play on September 6 in Buenos Aires. Four days later Argentina travel to Peru, who are without a win at the bottom of the standings.
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