Football Corner

Newcastle United have signed Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini from Deportivo La Coruna for an undisclosed fee. The Argentine international has signed a five-year contract at St James' Park as manager Kevin Keegan continues to strengthen his defence.

Keegan has been expected to capture the 26-year-old, who played every minute for Depor in La Liga in 2007/08, for a number of weeks and has now finally got his man. The Magpies have already signed defender Sebastien Bassong and Coloccini becomes the latest arrival as Keegan attempts to bolster a backline which leaked 65 Premier League goals last season.

Coloccini began his career at Boca Juniors in 1998 before moving to AC Milan the following season. However, he made just one appearance for the Serie A outfit and spent the rest of his five years with the Italians on loan at San Lorenzo, Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal before moving to Depor in 2004.

He also featured heavily in the 2006 World Cup and was part of the Argentina side that was defeated 3-2 by England in a friendly in November 2005. I feel this is an excellent signing by Keegan. Coloccini will add a bit of assurance and experience to a very shaky Newcastle defense. He has played in world cups, champions leagues and very important games for both club and country.

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