Gutierrez and Coloccini – expected to finalise his move to St James's Park in the next 24 hours – have been called up for their country's friendly against Belarus in Minsk on August 20.

Coloccini could be at St James's Park to see Gutierrez make his home debut in tonight's friendly against PSV Eindhoven (7.45pm).

And Argentina could invoke FIFA's four-day rule, meaning they would miss the visit to Old Trafford for the season opener against Manchester United three days earlier.

Man United's Carlos Tevez is also in the 18-man squad of Europe-based players, and with strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney already ruled out of the fixture, Sir Alex Ferguson – like Kevin Keegan – will not want to lose any more players.

Argentina coach Alfio Bastile will most likely shy away from a fight with Ferguson and Keegan so early in the campaign, allowing Tevez and Gutierrez to play in the televised clash.

And Keegan will have to hope that Gutierrez, and Coloccini should the deal go through, report back with no problems.

Deportivo La Coruna defender Coloccini was expected on Tyneside today for a medical, with the two clubs understood to have agreed a fee of 11.5m euros, with further add-ons depending on appearances.

The 26-year-old centre half, who can also play at right back, was left behind in Spain when the club left for a pre-season tour of Venezuela.

Coloccini trained on his own on Monday as he waited on news of the deal.

* Newcastle United's ticket office will be open until kick off selling tickets for tonight's home friendly against PSV Eindhoven.

Fans can also use cash turnstiles on all four corners of the ground.

Admission is £15 for adults and £5 for concessions.