Newcastle United are facing a legal battle over their Argentina winger Jonas Gutierrez.

The Sunday Sun says Newcastle have received written, formal confirmation that Real Mallorca are suing them for 15 million euros in a Spanish court over the summer signing of Jonas.

Argentinian international Gutierrez maintains that he merely exercised a FIFA-ratified right to leave Mallorca for nothing.

But the La Liga club - whose ownership issue may become clearer when former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd discusses a takeover deal this week - insist they should have received a transfer fee for him.

Another problem for Newcastle is the ever-weakening value of sterling, which means 15 million euros is now worth £13 million.