Enrique has joined Toon

Aug 5 2007 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

NEWCASTLE have signed one left-back, according to reports in Spain, but could be on the verge of landing another – and it’s NOT Leighton Baines.

La Liga side Villarreal claim to have agreed a £4 million, five-year deal with United for Spanish Under-21 international Jose Enrique; their club website read: “We want to thank Jose Enrique for his contributions to the club and wish him much luck in his footballing career.”

But after the Magpies’ £5 million bid for Baines appeared to fail, Sevilla’s Serbian star Ivica Dragutinovic remains hopeful of securing a £2.5 million, three-year move to Tyneside after rejecting the offer of a new contract with the UEFA Cup holders.

“I am happy in Sevilla but the English offer is very important in all aspects, not exclusively in terms of money,” said the 31-year-old.

“It really is very complicated to reject the chance to join Newcastle. I have always wanted to play in England, the league is strong and for men like me the physical aspect is not a problem.

“I know English football and Newcastle is one of the historic clubs and the objective will be to fight for a European position. The coach (Sam Allardyce) tried to sign me for Bolton during my stay in Belgium (with Standard Liege) so I am not unknown to him.”