Robson confirms #2m deal for Carr

Since the Republic of Ireland right-back Stephen Carr was first linked with a move to the north-east of England over a year ago the local press there, it seems, have been pining for the moment they could emblazon the headline "Carr Toon" across their back pages. The opportunity finally arose yesterday, the Newcastle Evening Chronicle trumpeting Stephen Carr's imminent arrival at Newcastle United from Spurs with: "Carr Toon Swoop".

Newcastle have agreed a fee with Spurs for the Dubliner, who will be 28 later this month, reported to be in the region of £2 million. Carr is expected to travel to Newcastle in the next 24 hours to discuss personal terms and, if they can be agreed, undergo a medical before finalising the deal.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has been working on the transfer for the past week, according to the Chronicle, but, the newspaper claimed, it was delayed because the player's agent had difficulties contacting Carr, who was in Seville for Spurs' pre-season friendlies, because of new manager Jacques Santini's crackdown on his players' use of mobile phones.

Bobby Robson, the Newcastle manager, had stressed all summer that signing a right back was his priority but his rumoured interest in Danny Mills, Mario Melchiot, Miguel Monteiro, Hatem Trabelsi and Georgios Seitaridis came to nothing.

Robson, though, has been a long-time admirer of Carr and was prompted to renew his interest in the player after Carr rejected the offer of a new contract from the London club. Faced with the prospect of losing him on an end-of-contract free transfer at the end of the season - just as they lost Sol Campbell to Arsenal - Spurs had little option but to agree to the sale.

After trials with Arsenal, Carr, who played with St Kevin's in Dublin, signed for Spurs in 1992, making his debut under Ossie Ardiles as a 16-year-old the following year. His career at Spurs, however, has been interrupted by injuries, one of which led to him missing the 2002 World Cup. He made his senior Irish debut in 1999, establishing himself as first choice right back following Denis Irwin's international retirement later that year.

Ironically Carr's departure from Spurs could open the way for the progress of fellow Dubliner Stephen Kelly at White Hart Lane. Kelly made his first-team debut for Spurs last season and impressed sufficiently to be offered a two-year extension to his existing deal at the club.

Carr, though, appears to be joining a troubled Newcastle United with Robson's position under threat and suggestions of civil war in the dressing-room. Captain Alan Shearer yesterday moved to quell the rumours.

"These reports are absolutely rubbish," said Shearer. "There has been no fighting, no bust-ups and the club is in good shape. It's right and proper that, as captain, I come out and say these things after what has been written and said.

"I can tell the fans every single Newcastle player is pulling in the same direction and we are completely focused."