Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies clinch Smith coup

03 Aug 2007 - 13:30:35

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Newcastle United have landed a major transfer coup by signing Manchester United striker Alan Smith for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract.

The likes of Everton and Middlesbrough were also keen to land the 26-year-old frontman, who has seen his Old Trafford career flounder after a number of injury setbacks.

England international Smith moved to Manchester for £7million from Leeds United in the summer of 2004, going on to score 12 goals in 93 appearances for the Red Devils.

He has also won 17 caps for his country to date, scoring his only goal in a 1-1 friendly draw with Portugal in September 2002.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson had previously admitted that Smith might have to move on, telling the Manchester Evening News: "The quandary with Alan surrounds his long-term future and getting regular games.

"There is no doubt Alan did fantastically well for us when he came back last season. He gave the team a spiritual lift and, because he is such a fighter, he was an inspiration to us.

"But he is 26 now and he wants regular football."