Newcastle sign Argentina winger Gutierrez

LONDON
Newcastle United said on Wednesday they have signed Argentina midfielder Jonas Gutierrez on a five-year deal, a day after his Spanish club Real Mallorca said they were suing him for walking out on them.
Newcastle did not reveal the fee paid for the player, though Manchester City had been reported to have been planning a seven million pounds ($13.90 million) bid for him earlier this year.
On Tuesday Mallorca started legal action against the player, demanding 15 million Euros ($23.68 million) in compensation after he invoked FIFA's Article 17 on transfer regulations which allows players under 28 who have served three years of their contract to effectively "buy out" the remainder of their agreement.
Gutierrez, who turns 25 on Saturday, had two years left on his contract.
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan told the club's website nufc.premiumtv.uk: "Jonas is a wonderful signing for us.
"I know a lot of other clubs have been interested in him. He'll be a terrific addition to the squad. He's an exciting player and I'm sure our fans will enjoy watching him."
Gutierrez, who can play as a wide midfielder or as more of a winger, won his first Argentine cap against France in February 2007 and played in last month's goalless World Cup qualifying draw with Brazil.
Nicknamed "Spiderman" after donning the comic book superhero's webbed mask during goal celebrations, Gutierrez said: "The Premier League is a great place to play and I cannot wait to meet my new team mates and prove myself to the Newcastle fans."