Newcastle sign striker Shefki Kuqi
Kuqi's most recent club was Championship side SwanseaNewcastle United have confirmed the signing of striker Shefki Kuqi.Kuqi, 34, was available outside the transfer window because he is a free agent and forms a stopgap ahead of replacing Andy Carroll in the summer.
Carroll was sold to Liverpool in January for £35m and the Magpies were further depleted when Shola Ameobi suffered a fractured cheekbone.
Finland international Kuqi joins Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger and Leon Best as the club's available strikers.
Finland international Kuqi terminated his contract with Championship side Swansea by mutual consent at the end of January.
And, although the club had also been linked with the unattached Jeremie Aliadiere, the St James' Park outfit went for Kuqi as he is much closer to match fitness and can, if needed, be called upon straight away by manager Alan Pardew.
Newcastle have had to acquire a free agent as they failed to bring in a replacement for Carroll with so little time left after he joined Liverpool in a dramatic move on transfer deadline day.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/9392873.stm
