Keegan joy at Coloccini deal

Keegan: Defensive reinforcements

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan believes he has 'massive options' in defence following the signing of Fabricio Coloccini.

The Argentina international has signed a five-year deal at St James' Park after completing his move from Deportivo La Coruna for an undisclosed fee.

And Keegan is delighted to have captured the versatile centre-back as he prepares for the start of the new Premier League season at Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

"Fabricio has got tremendous experience and is a full international with Argentina, that tells you he is a player of the very highest calibre," Keegan told Newcastle's official website.

"He does not know the Premier League but he knows world football and has played in one of the top leagues, La Liga, for six years now.

"He's a very athletic player, he played every minute in the league for his club last season, and he's also very versatile.

"He is a centre-back but can play anywhere across the back four and also in midfield - he gives us massive options."

And Coloccini is now eager to settle into life in England with Keegan hinting that the 26-year-old could feature at Old Trafford.

"I am keen to get started in the Premier League and the club," Coloccini told Sky Sports News. "It is a new stage in my career."