Kevin Keegan is ready to add 32-year-old Senegal international defender Lamine Diatta to his Newcastle United squad on a free transfer, reports the Evening Chronicle.

And the much-travelled defender, who is used to winning the French championship with Lyon, will be plunged straight into United's relegation battle along with his Senegal colleagues Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Beye.

Diatta has trained with United for the past week after being brought to Tyneside by the new scouting team led by Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez.

Keegan has given the green light for the signing and this will go through in the next 24 hours subject to the player passing his medical today (Wednesday).