Van Buyten captured by City
Saturday, January 31, 2004
Article summary
Manchester City FC have agreed a loan deal for Olympique de Marseille defender Daniel Van Buyten.
Article body
Manchester City FC have agreed a loan deal to bring Olympique de Marseille's Belgium defender Daniel Van Buyten to England until the end of the season.
Sommeil swap
The 26-year-old will fill the gap left by French centre-back David Sommeil who is set for a move in the opposite direction with Marseille also being paid an undisclosed fee. Van Buyten said: "I am pleased to join Manchester City. I am looking forward to playing against the top English clubs." He will begin training next week.
Keegan impressed
"We have looked at him for quite a while, for two years in fact, as have other Premiership clubs," said City manager Kevin Keegan. "He is a strong defender who is good on the ball and has all the experience of international football."
Champions League
Van Buyten played five times for Marseille in the UEFA Champions League group stage this season, scoring once. He will help a City defence recently boosted by the arrival of England goalkeeper David James.
