NEWCASTLE United were hoping to tie up a £5m-plus deal for Deportivo La Coruna striker Francisco Jimenez Tejada before the transfer window slams shut at midnight tonight. The word from Spain today was that the 26-year-old player, dubbed Xisco, has already agreed to join his former Deportivo colleague Fabricio Coloccini at St James’s Park. And fellow La Liga outfit Valencia were saying today that they have allowed their midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez to join United on a season’s loan. The Majorca-born Xisco is a Spanish Under-21 international with four caps and one goal. He is the youngest player ever to score a goal in a First Division match in Spain. Aston Villa have had a long, hard look at him, but his agent confirmed to the Spanish Press today that he was in talks with United and that he was happy to come to Tyneside after talking to Coloccini. Deportivo are saying that they will receive an initial payment of 7m for Xisco, with another three up for grabs based on appearances. United have already agreed to play in La Coruna next pre-season as part of the Coloccini deal. Meanwhile, reports in Spain were saying today that Gonzalez has already passed a medical at St James’s Park, with the paperwork being expected to be completed before tonight’s deadline. However, if the deal does go through, Gonzalez will not link up with his new United colleagues until he returns from international duty. For the midfielder is with Uruguay for the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Ecuador in the next 10 days. Speaking after Valencia’s game with Real Mallorca on Saturday, vice-president Fernando Gomez said: “We have many players who, like Gonzalez, can play in midfield and this is an excellent solution from both sides.” United chief scout Lil Fuccillo took in Norwich City’s game with Birmingham City at Carrow Road on Saturday. And it is thought the United delegation were watching Birmingham forward James McFadden, who could be considered a suitable replacement for James Milner. But Birmingham tell me that while they have had a £10m bid for their Scottish international, who can play up front or out wide, it was not from United. | 
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