By Tyne-Talk
February 29 2008

Former Bestikas defender Lamine Diatta looks set to join Newcastle United next week as Kevin Keegan appears to have jumped to the front of the queue of Premier League teams who are interested. The Senagal International was being closely followed by both Wigan and Birmingham but Newcastle who have struggled all season to keep the ball out of the back of the net look set to snatch him.

The 32 year old is a free agent and available outside of the transfer window after buying out his contract with Bestikas he is said to be extremely interested in a move to the Premier League.

It has  been suggested that he travelled to England last week in the hope of securing a contract with an English club and he is reported to have spent this week training on Tyneside

Diatta who has also played for Toulouse, Marseille, Rennes, Lyon and St Etienne could be signed by Keegan on a short term deal, allowing him to link up with International team mates - Habib beye and Abdoulaye Faye.

Keegan said of the move:

"We just had an opportunity for four days to look at him.

He's the captain of Senegal, and is just back from the African Nations Cup.

Two of our players know him. We will have a look and make our mind up by Tuesday. That is what I have told him."

Newcastle who are still yet to win a game under Kevin Keegan's management are in desperate need of some support at the back and Diatta could fill the void on a short term basis.

Newcastle will be without goal keeper Shay Given this weekend, instead Steven Harper will play against Blackburn Rovers. Harper had 2 good consecutive games after replacing Given both against Aston Villa and Manchester United despite Newcastle losing both matches.

Diatta In Toon

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 29/02/2008 15:47

TyneTalk
29/02/2008 15:47

Diatta In Toon

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detox1978
29/02/2008 17:05

Looks interesting. Him and Faye would make to very strong centre backs.

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Rob-15-92
29/02/2008 17:10

Didn't this guy play in that 8-0 mauling of Bestikas! Don't want him if it is! Besides we can't have a back four full of Senegalees people.

The Eastenders of football.. Newcastle!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:02:29:17:29:36 by Toon Lad Rob.

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tunyc
29/02/2008 18:50

Not impressed.

We have a billionaire owner. Why are we competing with Birmingham and Wigan for 32-year olds who have never kicked a ball in the PL. Ridiculous. Just like last Summer when everyone in the world knew NUFC needed a top-class center back. What did we get? Rozehnal at like 3M and Cacapa and Faye on free transfers. And then we miss out on 7M-pound Woodgate.

NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

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Rob-15-92
29/02/2008 19:33

Rather have a class CB for free in Faye who will play every game, rather than "5 min" Woody for £7mill even though he is world class.

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detox1978
29/02/2008 19:41

Faye wasn't free, he cost 2 million. +he's loads better than the smoggy jesus wannabe.

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T00N B0Y
29/02/2008 19:44

He definitely is. Woody is bond to be injured for the next year and a half and they will keep saying, well he won us the cup... blah blah. Faye is miles better and I think the big man Diatta will come good for the remainder of the season which is the only reason he will be here and then sent out.

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tunyc
29/02/2008 20:47

I have to say, I think that this reaction is typical of Toon fans.

Jonathan Woodgate played an important role in helping the Spuds win the Carling Cup, a piece of silverware I'd love to see the Toon win.

But because we didn't get him, we villify him and get all rapturous about this unproven nobody because he excites Birmingham and Wigan-and is a realistic target.

I love Faye, not least because he's a Toon player. But he's not better than Woodgate. Woodgate has indeed now won silverware and he's gone deep into a European competition. He's been learning his trade against PL and La Liga-quality attackers for 12 years. What has Faye got on his CV that compares to that?

This is just like other guys on this team whom Toon supporters love because they play for the club and have heart. Many of these players wouldn't impress the supporters of an Arsenal or a ManUre or Chelsea at all because despite their drive they don't get results. It's a bit cold, but it's not a coincidence that these are teams that get results and the Toon is not (right now). It's also not a coincidence that our team is made up largely of castoffs from those clubs (Smith, Owen, Geremi, Butt and Duff).

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Rob-15-92
29/02/2008 21:34

I think Woody is better as I have called Faye class and Woody world class. I just would rather be paying £2mill for Faye and £20k a week for 30+games, instead of Woody who would have cost £7mill then £60k a week for about 10 games.

The Eastenders of football.. Newcastle!

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faheemusa
29/02/2008 21:39

i don't think we need another player who has already played their best and is probably not going to improve our defending.

It will be the same case as Cacapa, an intelligent player who knows what to do, but is a little slower than he used to be.

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6 - 4 - f
29/02/2008 22:04

Diatta would be a good short term signing . incase of any injuries to our defenders .

but i hope hes here only till the end of this season because we dont need unproven flesh again .

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ROD RICHARDSON
29/02/2008 23:50

Aaalreet for nowt suppose.

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ComradeCurtis
01/03/2008 14:07

the window is closed... Fookin hell. Its clear we needs help at the back. Kev didn't want anyone to leave in the window due to the small size of the squad.

If we can get some more experience.. even for the kids.. in for free then whats the issue.

Yes he is not a world beater... but who else is available om a free. ???

As for woody.. he has done his job for the Toon. Great when fit.. made us a fookin tonne of cash. Why would we need a another injury prone player. ??? FFS

Woody to Spuds .. why not. Gives them the impressive King/Woodgate. Top pairing.. well on the treatment table. lol

Company for King thats all.

No-one is slatting him for not pickin the toon...good luck to the Coke heed.



Well they say you are what ya eat.... Better call me 'mother' then rude boy..!

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Eggs
01/03/2008 14:14

My heart just sinks, a name Ive never heard of, from an average African nation(another!), released, formerly of a Turkish team and a set of average French teams (again!), and bloody 32 years old!!! I know its a free, but who else is sick of saying "He'll do for now"?? What is our Billionaire owner doing in prep for next season?

We are the new Bolton, just not as ambitious!!!

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Ben Nufc
01/03/2008 15:21

rob im not sure if he did actually play, i think theres been trouble for a while so he hasnt been getting played. He had to buy his way out of his contract

Alan Oliver Es En Skjede

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tunyc
01/03/2008 19:33

Quote:

Eggs
I know its a free, but who else is sick of saying "He'll do for now"??

I am, for one.

Quote:

Eggs
What is our Billionaire owner doing in prep for next season?

Good f00king question. Looking into acquisitions like this and scouting out Scotland aggressively makes it seem like he's preparing for the possibility of fizzy pop league football.

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Rob-15-92
01/03/2008 23:35

Still fizzy pop lucks fun. I can enter that win a player comp done by Coke-Cola.

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