Newcastle defend Jenas transfer

Newcastle United last night insisted that they complied fully with Premier League rules in their £5m move for Jermaine Jenas.

Reports yesterday suggested that the Magpies had struck a deal with hard-up Nottingham Forest which would see them guarantee only £2.5m in payment for the England Under-19 captain, £1.5m initially and the rest in instalments.

The remainder of the £5m was said to be made up of incentives for appearances and future England caps, as well as bonuses. However, United have dismissed the claims, and maintain that an initial payment of £2.5m has already been made and that the balance will be handed over within 12 months.

"Premier League clubs, under the rules of the Premier League, have to pay 50 per-cent cash down on domestic transfers and the balance within a year," said a club spokesman. "On the Jenas transfer, that was £2.5m up front and the balance within 12 months, in Newcastle's case, on the anniversary of the player's registration. The first payment has already been made in order to secure the registration of the player."

Jenas became Britain's most expensive teenage footballer when he completed his move to St James' Park on Monday. The Newcastle manager Bobby Robson said he was delighted to have captured one of his major targets, and it is likely that supporters will get their first glimpse of the 18-year-old in action on Saturday when Southampton visit Tyneside.

Jenas will initially provide cover for injured England international Kieron Dyer, but in the longer term, is likely to replace 35-year-old Rob Lee. Lee was last night still mulling over an offer from Derby County to join his former Newcastle team-mate Warren Barton at Pride Park after being told his future at St James' Park would not be discussed until the summer.

The Wimbledon manager Terry Burton is set for a clash with the club chairman Charles Koppel over Lionel Morgan.

Tottenham made a £750,000 bid for the 18-year-old midfielder over the weekend and, while Koppel confirmed the club will consider letting him go, Burton was that adamant Morgan is not for sale. "He's a fantastic talent and he's 100 per cent in my long-term plans," said Burton. "He would have played a lot more if he hadn't had a couple of injuries."

Morgan has made one appearance this season – against Walsall – but Wimbledon need to offload players, with the club losing £20,000 per day.