Newz Forum: SOCCER: Patrick Kluivert to join Newcastle soon

Patrick Kluivert's proposed move to Newcastle could be concluded by the end of this week. United chairman Freddy Shepherd returned from Hong Kong on Monday and is expected to meet the Barcelona star's representatives in the next couple of days in a bid to thrash out a deal.

Agent Paul Foortse who was on Tyneside last week to open negotiations, expects a decision one way or the other by the end of the week after a promising start to the talks.

BBC Sport

"We're hopeful because there is a willingness from both parties. Both parties want to have an agreement, so we're optimistic," said Paul Foortse.

"It's a matter of going ahead or not - we expect that it should be finalised either way by the end of the week."

Newcastle have been chasing a new striker this summer as they look for a long-term replacement for Alan Shearer, who is retiring at the end of this season.

Southampton's James Beattie has also been linked with a move to St James' Park.

Kluivert was released by Barcelona at the end of last season and is available for free, meaning his wages would be the only sticking point.