Diatta joins Newcastle

Newcastle have completed the signing of Lamine Diatta on a short term deal that will see him stay at the club until the end of the season.

United boss Kevin Keegan told The Chronicle: "We have not got much cover if we pick up any more injuries to our defenders and Diatta will provide this.

"It was common sense, like an insurance policy. He'll benefit us from the fact that he's a centre-half and an international player.

"We've been able to sign a player when you can't sign anybody because of his circumstances.

"I've been very impressed with his attitude from what I've seen around the training ground.

"He's come over in a very honest and determined way to earn a contract and, after four days, I felt it was the sensible thing to do."