Talks bring Kluivert closer to Magpies deal

NEWCASTLE chairman Freddy Shepherd was yesterday locked in talks with Patrick Kluivert’s agent.

Shepherd met Paul Foortse yesterday morning to discuss a year-long loan deal with the prospect of a permanent transfer next summer.

As Foortse touched down in the north-east after holding initial talks at St James’ Park last week, long-serving midfielder Gary Speed was thrashing out the terms of a two-year contract at Bolton after the two clubs agreed what is believed to be a £750,000 transfer.