Butt Joining Blues

Last updated : 03 August 2005 By Brian Cartlidge

Blues have agreed a deal with Newcastle over a season-long loan deal for the former Manchester United midfielder with a view to making the deal permanent at the end of that period.

Blues boss Steve Bruce is a long-time admirer of Butt and he looked close to securing a deal to bring the player to St Andrew's during the 2004 January transfer window but the 30-year-old midfielder decided to remain at Old Trafford before eventually joining Newcastle.