It’s rare that a player transfer goes through smoothly these days. It used to be the case that Team A rang Team B, told them that they wanted to sign Player X and, if Team B were willing to sell, a deal was struck pretty quickly. In an age where football is business, and the existence of agents is a thorn in the side of the game, we get long drawn-out affairs, such as the one happening at Newcastle.

It’s pretty clear that the Magpies want to sign the frizzy-haired Fabricio Coloccini from Deportivo La Coruna, while the Spanish club seem pretty much resigned to losing their star defender. However, the Daily Mail report that Newcastle might have to fork out more cash than they originally intended, something that won’t sit well with owner Mike Ashley.

Newcastle have been told by Deportivo La Coruna they must pay £10million for defender Fabricio Coloccini.

The north-east club believed they had secured a deal that would have seen the Argentine centre half move to St James’ Park for £7.8m.

Deportivo first added a further £1m to the asking price, and have again infuriated the player, his agent Marcelo Lombilla and Newcastle’s recruitment team by upping the fee.

Compensation is the name of the game for Depor, who are all-too aware that the defender leaving will leave a big gaping hole in their rearguard. Will Newcastle’s hopes of signing the player be dashed by the ever-increasing fee or will they bring their man to St James’ Park and fill the Toon Army with joy?

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