Milner deal done, now for Beattie and Butt

Teenage winger James Milner completed his move from Leeds United yesterday after passing a medical on Tyneside.

The 18-year-old, who has signed a five-year deal with the Magpies, will join the rest of his teammates for the start of the club's pre-season training programme on Monday.

Newcastle have agreed to pay an initial £3.6m for the versatile youngster, a fee that could rise to £5m if he fulfills his potential over the next five years.

Milner first burst onto the scene when he scored against Sunderland in 2002 to become the youngest goalscorer in Premiership history.

Former Leeds boss Peter Reid sent him on loan to Swindon at the start of last season but, when he was sacked, caretaker manager Eddie Gray recalled him to the first-team ranks.

The midfielder made an instant impression and was a virtual ever-present as the Yorkshire club tumbled out of the top-flight.

Tottenham agreed a fee to take him to London, but Milner turned down the move as he did not want to leave his West Yorkshire home.

A move to Newcastle offered no such problems, and sources close to the player suggest he was delighted to learn of the club's interest when it became apparent last month.

Equally at home on either the left or right flank, Milner will provide valuable competition to both Laurent Robert and Darren Ambrose as Newcastle look to improve on last season's disappointing fifth-place finish.

Milner's agent, Professional Footballers Association deputy chief executive Mick McGuire said: ''There has never been a more committed player to Leeds than James and he will always be a huge fan.

''He signed a five-year deal last year, he bought a house in the area and his mum and dad have renewed their season tickets for the coming season.

''However, it is common knowledge that, as part of Leeds' survival plans, they need to generate income from transfers, so we appreciate their dilemma and understand their decision to let James go because the money this raises helps safeguard the future of the club.

''However, things have moved on since then and once Leeds agreed a fee with Newcastle and gave him permission to speak to Sir Bobby Robson, he felt that it was only fair and proper to talk to a club of that magnitude.

''James is excited about joining one of the premier clubs, who can offer him a major stage and European football.

''However, he leaves with a heavy heart and is glad that the money his move has generated will help Leeds in the longer term.''

McGuire again dismissed stories that Milner had already been offered a 100per cent pay increase to stay at Leeds. He added: ''It is important that I again stress that no discussions took place about a new contract, and I was surprised to read quotes from some very responsible people claiming they had offered to double his money.''

The England Under-21 international will not be the only new face in the United ranks next week, with Nicky Butt due in the North-East to discuss a move from Manchester United.

The two clubs are understood to have agreed a £3.75m fee for the England international, and Newcastle are confident that they can agree personal terms.

Butt has grown disillusioned at his lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford and, despite withdrawing a transfer request halfway through last season, has decided the time is right to move to pastures new.

Newcastle suffered from the lack of a combative ball winner at times last season and, despite possessing a surfeit of midfielders, Sir Bobby Robson sees Butt's signature as too good a chance to miss.

The 29-year-old is currently nursing a medial ligament injury sustained at Euro 2004, and it is expected Butt will be monitored in training before any decision is made regarding his participation in the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Hong Kong.

The twin capture of Milner and Butt ends a 16-month hiatus in which free transfer Lee Bowyer was the only player to walk through the entrance doors at St James' Park.

But Robson is not finished there, with a final approach for Beattie still on the cards.

The Southampton striker is seen as the best long-term successor to Alan Shearer but, rather than wait until the Newcastle skipper retires at the end of next season, United are keen to get their man.

The 26-year-old scored 17 goals on the south coast last season and has been assured by Saints boss Paul Sturrock that he is an integral part of his plans.

But Beattie is understood to be frustrated at his inability to force his way into the England reckoning, and would welcome the chance to make his name on the European stage.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe has been forced to fend off persistent stories linking Beattie to Tyneside, and only yesterday he said: "Nothing has changed since the last time I denied it.

"Just because people choose to print pure speculation, it does not mean we have to reply to it every time.

"We have had no approach - formal or informal - from Newcastle. There has been no talk about a price or anything else."

Newcastle are believed to be preparing a £7m offer for the frontman, but that is likely to be their final bid with Robson still on the look-out for a right back before the start of the new season.

l Former Newcastle midfielder Bradley Orr is on the verge of signing a two-year deal with Coca-Cola League One side Bristol City