Who is insistent that Kiko was here over the weekend, before everyone went off to T&T.

Somone tell me about him

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

Answers

The Spanish Cantona, attacking midfielder aged 27 - 28 years old. I think he plays (played) for newly relegated Athletico Madrid (?). He must have been preferred to Juninho.

I know no more I'm afraid

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

Have their been many (if any) Spanish players in the English Football League, apart from Marcellino, who I nearly forgot about, funny that. If he does arrive this could make it more appealing for another Spaniard i.e Enrique to com here.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

Ferrer at Chewsee is a spaniard. A workmate (or coworker as the yanks go on about - no cattle in my office) from Madrid was banging on about Kiko about 2 years ago. He was by all accounts class (but then they did go and get relegated so it might be like signing erm..that decent bloke from Watford, y'know, erm, Whatshisface?

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

If he's the next Cantona, perhaps it is better to be moved to the higher seats:-))

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

Especially with our new black away strip...

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

I seem to recall he played up front for Spain v England in Euro96 - big fella with a bit of skill and a big mouth, constantly whinging - a la Cantona, indeed.
I think I read somewhere that he had taken a long time to recover from a serious injury and has moved back into an attacking m/f role - probably means he wasn't scoring goals.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

He scored 2 for Spain in France98, but I don't remember him either...probably a good sign; I know nothing me, reckon I ought to be a commentator :-)

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

Aparently missed a sister from one meter v Paraguay in the world cup, which led to him getting the nickname donkey.
Apparently The mackems had a look at him but decided against it.

-- Anonymous, May 19, 2000

Not a whole lot of enthusiasm then: in fact very much "nil points" from the Toon audience for the Spanish entry.

Looks like were bound to sign him now.

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2000

>>Aparently missed a sister from one meter v Paraguay in the world cup, which led to him getting the nickname donkey.

For once in my life, Kegsy, I won't go there. Much as I'd like to .... :O)))

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

PS> I don't know diddly about Kiko but I'd take Cocu off Barca's hands in a flash.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

It looks like we're signing Bassedas eventually. This has probably been discussed before but does anybody know what type of midfielder he is? Attacking, Defensive, does he score a few goals?

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

Most of the news today seems to suggest that Chelsea would let Sutton go for as little as #4million. At that price he has to be worth the investment. I'm sure our style of play would suit him more than Chelsea's and he must be ready to bust a gut to show he is no flop, coupled with his knowledge of Shearer, he must be worth it and he can help out in defence.

It also looks like we've got a fight on our hands to land Gudjohnsson from Bolton as Chelsea are keen on him.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

I agree re Sutton. He is a far better player than his Chelsea experience would suggest. However, I suspect he'll go to Charlton or one of the promoted sides. Chelsea may struggle to get a striker who fits their system of play unless they are prepared to pay a mint and go to Italy or Spain for him.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

Leicester are meant to be prepared to pay 7mil for him. But that's just probably the press rumour database churning out Leicester as the side who take chances on ridiculed players which cross-referenced quite well on their current transfer funds table. Not that I'm cynical or anything.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

I would expect the transfer activity to hot up when Bobby and the lads return from T&T. I can imagine Bobby sitting at his desk, thinking the players are having a couple of weeks off, "what can I do?", then start buying! Unless he plays Chamionship Manager.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

Isn't Kiko the killer whale, Ok OK Orca from "FREE WILLY"

Don't you dare Gav!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

But Gus!!....PLEASE :))

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

Down boy, down.

My wife has put me on rations, we only have one phone line and she is on call. I have to be quick.

I missed the chance to have ago at Kegsy about "missed a sister..." so let this one ride. There will undoubtedly be more for you later. Sort of a sequel if you like, Free Willy 2, or 3!!!!!!

Goodnight one and most!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2000

MAGPIES JOIN KIKO CHASE by Nic Evans

NEWCASTLE UNITED boss, Bobby Robson is currently in Spain mulling over a move for Atletico Madrid's talented striker, Kiko, who has recently recovered from a ligament injury that kept him out of most of the Spanish season.

With Atletico doomed to at least a season of Segunda Liga football for the first time in 66 years, it looks certain that the 28-year-old will want to move on, especially if he wants to secure his international future.

Bryan Robson, the Middlesbrough manager, will jet into Spain this week as he looks to secure three transfer targets. But his namesake seems to have stolen a march on him, mainly due to his excellent contacts in the country following his spell at Barcelona.

According to media reports, Bobby Robson has already had talks with the player's advisors in Paris and the initial results were encouraging for Newcastle. With Alan Shearer and the injury prone Duncan Ferguson as his two recognised strikers, Temur Ketsbaia's position at the club remaining uncertain, both on and off the field and youngster Paul Robinson incurring the wrath of Robson by demanding a transfer, the Newcastle boss knows he needs another quality forward.

With #15 million in the transfer kitty, Kiko would take up about a third of that allowing Robson to concentrate on strengthening his midfield. Atletico have the additional problem of being over #50 million in debt and are selling players to pay this off.

Celta Vigo could be ready to end Silvio Maric's traumatic experience at St James's Park with a #1.5 million bid although the player claims that he is available on a free because he signed a contract before the new rules about work permits - that they are now valid for the player's entire contract - was introduced.

However Maric will not be too devastated if that deal does not go through as he said: "It could be that I will return to Zagreb although clubs from France, Italy and Spain are showing interest in me."

Meanwhile, head coach Mick Wadsworth has just returned from another scouting trip to Argentina, initially to check on the performance of Christian Bassedas after the Olivier Dacourt deal fell through when the player went to Leeds. However Wadsworth has come back raving about Newell Old Boys player, Diego Matteo.

The Bassedas transfer is close to being completed at a price of around #2.5 million, however this was meant to be the case in February but Newcastle could not come up with the money.

Matteo is a rising star in Argentinian football and is valued at #3 million, a creative midfielder he would be just the addition that Robson needs. However former Oldham star, Carl Serrant looks set to leave Newcastle for Sheffield United having been unable to cement a left-back starting position.

To summarise Bobby's in Spain discussing transfers, I'd expect two signinggs to come from this trip (just a hunch). Maric off to Celta Vigo or any of the supposedly interested clubs, actually for some money.

Serrant off, which is good, remember Everton!

Things are hotting up now Bobby's available for discussions.

Did you also see in the Journal that the hotel staff have nicknamed Mick Wadsworth, Bobby Robson and Gordon Milne, The Three Stooges after they were spotted at poolside for hours on end, well into the night. What a great team they must be, decades of footballing knowledge all geared to one thing, success for the Toon.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2000

NEWCASTLE boss Bobby Robson is demanding an immediate answer from the Portuguese FA on his bid for troubled transfer target Fernando Meira.

Robson is anxious to tie up the Meira deal as soon as possible to spark off his summer recruitment drive.

But he's sick of waiting for a decision on whether or not the Vitoria Guimaraes defender is available on a free transfer.

Robson has instructed his scouting staff to press for an immediate response so that he can formulate the rest of his plans.

Meira was hauled before a Portuguese FA panel recently to explain his decision to walk out on his club over a wages wrangle.

Like Silvio Maric at Newcastle, Meira is claiming a free transfer while his club are demanding a transfer fee of around #2.5 million.

Ambitious

Meira can play either as a central defender or a defensive midfielder. Robson has watched him in a Portuguese league match and the defender has also visited Newcastle for talks.

Bobby is currently in Paris to attend a function tonight and the European Cup final tomorrow.

I understand he may take the opportunity to hold talks with the agents of Atletico Madrid striker Kiko, available at #4.5 million, but the Spaniard isn't his No.1 strike target.

Robson rates Kiko - but another deal for a European striker, who would cost a lot more, is also on the boil.

Now he has money to spend at last United's boss is covering all his options.

However an ambitious move for Republic of Ireland's Damien Duff has been turned down by Blackburn Rovers and a second inquiry for Matt Jansen, a long- term target of Newcastle, has met a similar rebuff. Fulham's attempt to prise Didier Domi away from Newcastle in a swap deal involving Lee Clark looks like failing.

After a lot of thought, Robson is cooling on the idea of bringing Clark back to St James's Park.

Robson is returning to Trinidad after the European Cup final between Real Madrid and Valencia.

While United's players fly home on Thursday, Robson and his Director of Football Gordon Milne will stay on until June 2, with their wives flying out to join them.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2000