Newcastle to break wage structure for Real Madrid's Figo

Newcastle United are ready to offer Luis Figo an escape route from Real Madrid.
 
Manager Graeme Souness is determined to beat a number of Premiership clubs to the Portuguese legend's signature.

Playmaker Figo, 32, has a year to run on his Real contract but will be available on a free transfer having lost his first-team place at the Bernabeu.

Yet it is his salary of £4.5million a year that may cause problems.

It would smash Toon's current wage structure but, despite a similar gamble on Patrick Kluivert failing to pay off, Souey is desperate to get his man.