FLEET-FOOTED French winger Fabrice Pancrate hopes to have done enough to secure a Newcastle contract after spending three days on trial at the club's Darsley Park training ground. The 29-year-old, who can also operate in an attacking role, is available on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint Germain. Pancrate, who had a loan spell with Spanish La Liga outfit Real Betis, was a reported target of Everton last January before he chose to stay and fight for his place at PSG. He had a trial with Sheffield United this season and declared his eagerness to play in the Championship, saying: I have always wanted to play in this country, and the Championship is a very good league. Pancrate trained with Portsmouth during pre-season and has attracted interest from Burnley, Cardiff City and several French first division outfits. But following his few days on Tyneside he confirmed: In my blood, I am black and white. His agent Farid Belkacemi revealed Pancrate had received assurances about the club's pedigree from two former players. He called Habib Beye and Didier Domi, and they told him Newcastle is a good city and a great club. He is also very friendly with Didier Digard of Middlesbrough, who told him the same. Fabrice loves Newcastle. Strasbourg offered him a big contract but he says: I prefer Newcastle'.
Source: Northern_Echo