Magpies swoop for the Spiderman

NEWCASTLE boss Kevin Keegan has signalled his intention to bring the thrills back to St James’s Park by making Argentina winger Jonas Gutierrez his first summer signing.

Jonas, nicknamed “Spiderman” because of his distinctive goal celebrations, has joined the Magpies from Spanish side Real Mallorca on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old — he celebrates his 25th birthday on Saturday — will join up with his new team-mates after a short break following his post-season exertions with his country, which ended with a 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Brazil on June 18.

Keegan will hope Jonas’ arrival is the first of several over the next few weeks as he attempts to drag the club back into the upper reaches of the Barclays Premier League table.

However, it is understood the right-sided midfielder’s capture does not mean the Magpies are ready to rethink their decision to keep James Milner at St James’ Park amid persistent links with both Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Transfer dealings are rarely straightforward in the modern era, but the announcement of Jonas’ capture came just 24 hours after Mallorca revealed they had launched a claim for compensation of €15 million.

The claim is over the player’s earlier decision to unilaterally terminate his contract with them under Article 17 of FIFA’s transfer regulations.

Sporting director Nando Pons told a press conference: “We are asking for €15m for the unilateral termination of the contract without just cause.

“It’s a legal matter. We are not happy about it in the slightest, but Mallorca has to protect its interests.”

Meanwhile Roy Keane landed his first summer target when he persuaded veteran midfielder Dwight Yorke to continue his career at Sunderland.

The 36-year-old has signed a new one-year deal, allowing Keane to retain one of his most experienced players as he attempts to assemble a squad capable of competing in the Barclays Premier League.

Yorke, who had been linked with a return to Australia, has played a key role for the club in his two seasons on Wearside and admitted the decision to stay was an easy one.

Yorke joined the Black Cats from Sydney FC during August 2006 as Keane made six deadline-day signings after taking the manager’s job.

He helped the club regain its top-flight status at the first attempt, making 21 appearances throughout the campaign.

Keane and chairman Niall Quinn are continuing their efforts to strengthen the squad, with their strikeforce a major focus.

However, sources on Wearside yesterday insisted they have not yet agreed a fee with Tottenham for Darren Bent.

There is little doubt the Black Cats have an interest in the 24-year-old, who cost Spurs £16.5m (€20m) when they bought him from Charlton.

Sunderland have a policy of not commenting on transfer speculation, but it is understood Bent, who would command a fee of in excess of £10m, is among a series of targets under consideration.

However, with Aston Villa and Celtic also reportedly on the former Ipswich youngster’s trail, and his sizeable wage packet a consideration — he reputedly earns £65,000 a week at White Hart Lane — no deal is imminent.