An interesting story has emerged from the other side of the Atlantic which although remaining unconfirmed, contains more detail than would normally be expected from an invented tale:
From the Goal website:
Columbus Crew and U.S. U20 midfielder Danny Szetela (pictured) has rejected a four-year deal to join Italian Serie A side Roma before the close of the summer transfer window.
Instead, the 20-year-old New Jersey native has entered into an agreement to join Newcastle of the English Premier League on January 1.
The news means Szetela will remain with the Columbus through the end of the 2007 season.
The team is currently in 5th place in the Eastern Conference, and one point behind the Colorado Rapids in the race for the final playoff spot.
Ever since Szetela put in a head-turning performance at this summer?s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, several European clubs have been chasing his signature.
Rumors of a move to EPL club Everton were unfounded, according to sources, but both Roma and crosstown rivals Lazio were reportedly in the running to secure his services.
Szetela has made 34 appearances since joining Columbus in 2004 as a 17 year old on the strength of a fine display at the 2003 U-17 World Cup in Finland. Standing at 5?11? (1.80 m), 175-pound (79 kg), he can provide a strong presence in the middle of the park, distribute well, and is capable of joining the attack when the opportunity presents itself, as evidenced by his three goals in this summer?s U-20 World Cup.
His MLS career has not been as stellar. To date, he has not scored a goal for the Black & Gold and posted only three assists in four years. But he has been plagued with injuries, including a broken left foot, a sprained right knee, and a concussion. In 2006, he saw action in only 4 matches due to injuries.
The terms or length of the Newcastle deal were not divulged.
http://www.nufc.com/