NEWCASTLE last night completed a whirlwind week of transfer activity with the £1.5m capture of Aston Villa midfielder Nolberto Solano.

The Peruvian, who made 233 appearances for the Magpies before being controversially sold by Sir Bobby Robson last January, signed at St James' Park just hours before the transfer window slammed shut at midnight last night.

On a frantic day that also saw Michael Owen sign his four-year deal on Tyneside, James Milner moved to Villa Park on a season-long loan while Jermaine Jenas completed a £7m move to Tottenham.

But it also emerged that Newcastle had failed in a last-ditch attempt to sign Norwegian international Claus Lundekvam after Southampton slapped a £1.5m price tag on the veteran centre-half's head.

Graeme Souness initially tried to prise Solano from Villa eight months ago, but found his advances rebuffed by David O'Leary.

The Scot looked like missing out on the right winger again yesterday, because of his reluctance to let Milner leave for the rest of the campaign.

He eventually relented, though, with Solano passing a hastily-arranged medical before agreeing personal terms with the Magpies.

Newcastle's fans had already voiced their opinion on the move, with Owen's St James' Park walkabout punctuated by cries of "Nobby Solano" from a packed Sir John Hall stand.

The 30-year-old is assured of a warm welcome when he makes his return, but he will have to wait to kick off his second spell in black and white following his recent dismissal for Aston Villa.

Solano is suspended for two more games after elbowing Portsmouth midfielder Richard Hughes and is likely to make his bow when Newcastle host Manchester City on September 24.

He will not be accompanied by Jenas though, after the England international finally completed his much-mooted move to Spurs.

The 22-year-old effectively ended his Newcastle career last month when he spoke of his unhappiness at the club.

Souness and chairman Freddy Shepherd both attempted to talk him round, with the latter turning down Tottenham's first bid of around £6m.

But when the London club upped their offer the Newcastle hierarchy opted to sell him to White Hart Lane. Jenas made 152 appearances for the Magpies after making a £5m move from Nottingham Forest in February 2002.

"You know our philosophy," said Spurs boss Martin Jol. "We want young players at this club.

"Jermaine Jenas will be our fifth England international and they are all young players too. I think Jermaine will be a big addition to our group and will develop into a great player."

Jenas added: "This is a great move for me. I am aiming to win things and, with the players already at the club, I am sure I can realise this ambition."

Souness admitted he was disappointed to see the midfielder leave, but dismissed suggestions that he was forced to sell Jenas to help fund the purchase of Owen.

"I'm sad he's gone because I didn't want him to go," he said.

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