Newcastle set to finalise deal for Argentinean defender Fabricio Coloccini

Newcastle are close to capturing Real Club Deportivo's highly-rated defender Fabricio Coloccini in a deal that could be worth up to £10.3m.

The Spanish side confirmed that they have accepted a bid for the Argentinean in a statement released this morning. It said:

"Real Club Deportivo and Newcastle have agreed the transfer of Fabricio Coloccini to the English club. The clubs had reached a verbal agreement last week which was today confirmed in writing."

The South American, 26, arrived at Deportivo in January 2005 from AC Milan and has gone on to establish himself as one of the best central defenders in the Primera Liga.

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