By Matthew Jones
June 9 2003

If Caldwell goes overseas on a Bosman, then Newcastle United will lose him for nothing! New FIFA Laws say that in a player moves overseas, then no compensation will be given. Sporting Lisbon and Borussia Monchengladbach are both chasing Stephen Caldwell, and Everton and Rangers have both been linked with him.

Newcastle United today found out that they could lose their defender for nothing if he moves to an overseas team.

FIFA's transfer laws rule that Newcastle will not be due any compensation if the Scot joins a foreign club on a Bosman in the summer.

His agent, Paul Martin, told the Sunday Sun: "If Steve signs for an English club, Newcastle will be due compensation - but not if he goes abroad.

"The new FIFA rules entitle a club to compensation if a young player leaves on freedom of contract to join a foreign club. But previously, that player could go for free.

"And if that newly-expired contract was signed before September 2001 - like Steve's contract - then the old regulations apply."

Martin added: "If Newcastle want to dispute it, that's up to them. They can say what they like. It's down to FIFA in the end."

There might be a bit of good news though, as Sporting Lisbon play down their interest in Caldwell.

Sporting Lisbon president Miguel Ribeiro Teles said: "Obviously I won't comment on any name in particular. I know (Carlos) Gamarra and (Demis) Nikolaidis but I don't know much about Caldwell and all I can say is that Gamarra and Nikolaidis are great players."

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