By Matthew Jones
December 31 2004

Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness comments after defender Boumsong passed a medical at St James' Park. The French man signed for £8m for five and half years, and will become the fourteenth French player to sign for Newcastle. GRAEME SOUNESS:

"I am excited and the fans should be as well. We're strengthening the squad, and with Babayaro in we're now happy to get Boumsong.

"We've been chasing him for a while, and I'm certain he will prove to be a tremendous acquisition for us.

"It's an area we need to strengthen, and he will do that. He's a very talented player who will boost us. That is why the chairman is prepared to spend so much money on him.

"I think it is public knowledge now that we have made an enquiry about Sylvain Distin, and hopefully I can confirm that without upsetting Kevin (Keegan).

"You could throw a whole host of names at me, because I have had a whole host of names thrown at me from agents, journalists and friends of players.

"We are actively looking to improve the squad, and as I said I think there are exciting times ahead.

"We're not too far away from getting it right, we already have some talented players here and with some new additions I think we can look forward to moving up the table in the New Year.

"With a bit of luck in games, and players coming back from injuries added to new signings, I'm confident we will quickly start winning football matches again."


The former Ibrox defender will be given the number 6 shirt.