Argentine Coloccini to join Newcastle

Deportivo Coruna have agreed to sell Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini to Newcastle United, the Primera Liga club said.

"Deportivo and Newcastle have sealed the transfer of Coloccini to the English club this afternoon (Wednesday)," Depor said in a statement on their website (www.canaldeportivo.com).

"Both clubs had reached a verbal agreement last week and have signed it today."

The 26-year-old international, who can also play in midfield, joined Depor from AC Milan in the middle of the 2004-05 season for three million euros.

He moves to the Premier League side for a fee that could rise to 13 million euros.

Coloccini has also played for Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Alaves, and helped Argentina win gold at the 2004 Olympic Games.