Scottish Mag

Glenn Roeder admits the heat is on Newcastle United in their bid to find a new striker before their Premiership season kicks off against Wigan in 12 days time. And he insisted today: "We have got to make it happen and make a decision soon - and it has to be the right decision." Ironically, Roeder was bowled over by the heat when he ran the rule over Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt in yesterday's 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in Rotterdam yesterday afternoon. As revealed in The Chronicle on Friday night, Roeder and his No 2 Kevin Bond travelled to Holland on Friday night, flew back to Tyneside on Saturday morning and jetted back on the 6am plane on Sunday morning. Roeder and Bond had another look at Kuyt, who has been made skipper of Feyenoord, and the Dutch striker scored the second Feyenoord goal. However, Roeder told me today: "The temperature must have been 100 degrees in Rotterdam yesterday and it was a low-key, paceless game. As a result it would be unfair and unwise to make any judgement on any player. "I am still glad I went to Rotterdam yesterday but you just could not get a fair reflection on any player." Feyenoord do not have to cash in on Kuyt after banking £8m at the end of May when they sold their young Ivory Coast striker Salamon Kalou to Chelsea. And my reading of the situation is that United's valuation of Kuyt is way below the £10m Feyenoord are talking about. On Friday night the United pair watched Manchester United and Porto in the Amsterdam Tournament followed by Inter Milan and Ajax, while chief scout David Mills took in the AZ Alkmaar friendly with Arsenal. And in between, if there were any doubts that United were desperately in need of a new striker - or two - Albert Luque's lacklustre performance against his fellow countrymen in the 3-3 draw with Villarreal confirmed it. I believe Roeder's main interest on Friday night was Inter Milan's Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins, who is rated in the £10m bracket by the Italians. And he has something in abundance which United are lacking so badly up front at the moment - pace. In an ideal world I gather Roeder wanted to bring in a top striker for decent money and get another one on the cheap. The latter was destined to be Juan Pablo Angel, who cost Aston Villa £13m but who, I understand, might have been available for less than £2m and would have been worth a gamble at this price to link up with Nobby Solano again. But United's interest has not materialised and Angel will not be arriving at St James' Park. On the two flying visits to Amsterdam, Roeder added: "I have to say it was all very interesting and I saw some players who have gone in my notebook for the future." Apart from Roeder, Bond and Mills, United sent Lee Clark to look at another name for the future, Hartlepool's promising young striker James Brown, on Saturday. And Terry McDermott took in Derby County's 2-2 draw with Southampton yesterday, while Mills watched Thursday's UEFA Cup opponents Ventspils go out of the Latvian League Cup to Skonto Riga yesterday.

Portsmouth are closing in on a deal with England defender Sol Campbell. Campbell underwent a medical at Fratton Park on Monday prior to signing what BBC Sport understands is a one-year contract with a further year's option. The 31-year-old was released by Arsenal following his desire to seek a new challenge after five years at the club. In a double swoop by boss Harry Redknapp, Pompey are also closing in on Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin - for a reported £4m. With no transfer fee involved for the England defender, Portsmouth will be easier able to meet Campbell's salary, believed to be in the region of £60,000 a week. Campbell marks the first big summer signing for Redknapp who had been struggling to put new owner Sasha Gaydamak's wallet to work. Redknapp is keen to make Campbell and Distin, who is in the last year of his contract at Manchester City, his new defensive pairing. The Pompey boss has also made an approach to Manchester City for England keeper David James. Campbell announced at the end of last season that he was leaving the Gunners to seek "a new challenge" after five years with the London club. He made 197 appearances for the Gunners and won five major trophies after joining the club from arch rivals Tottenham in 2001.

Steven Taylor has urged Newcastle United fans to remain supportive of Nicky Butt after a weekend which considerably enhanced the midfielder's standing at St James's Park. Butt has cut an unpopular figure since the 2004 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United. He was slammed for failing to acknowledge the Newcastle supporters after the game and was seen leaving the ground laughing and smiling with his former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. But two goals in a man of the match display against Villarreal had the home fans cheering his name on Saturday. And with fellow midfielder Amdy Faye granted permission to talk to Charlton Athletic about a possible move, a player who looked destined for the exit could now have a role in the coming season. Team-mate Taylor was delighted to hear Butt silence the boos which greeted his 67th-minute introduction in the Magpies' 3-3 draw. "The best thing the fans can do is support the players," argued the defender. "For the players to perform to their best they need the fans behind them. It's no good jeering, it'll only send his confidence down." Butt was also booed against PSV Eindhoven but Taylor hopes his match-saving heroics since have ended that. "They were singing his name at the end and that must've been special for him," Taylor said. "All he's got to do is to keep his form and the fans should take to him. He was one of the best players in the 2002 World Cup and he's come from a top quality side. He's very popular among the lads and great to have around the dressing room. "He's someone I look up to and he helps me out in training. He's played with the best centre-halves and gives me tips as well." Glenn Roeder also praised the 31-year-old but was more hesitant about Butt's future. Having admitted all summer he is wary of buying players with nothing left to achieve, the much-decorated former Manchester United player seems a case in point. But Roeder argued Butt's medal haul has not quenched his desire. "Nicky Butt wants to win whatever game he takes part in," said Roeder. "I don't think he would want to tread water because that's what has made him a player of the highest calibre. If he wasn't, Alex Ferguson would have found him out very quickly." And Roeder has been impressed with the professionalism and character of a player loaned to Birmingham City last season. "I worked with him for two and a half years (with England)," he recalled. "He was a terrific professional. He has more medals than the majority of players will see in their lives, let alone hold. He's been to all sorts of places with Manchester Unitd and England and come through with flying colours. "Nicky Butt has worked as hard if not harder than some players in pre-season. He's been right at the front in running, he's always highly-motivated in full-sided games and he's a good listener. You don't have a minute's trouble with him. It's a new season and the slate is wiped clean for everybody. "His goals are going to make headlines but even if he hadn't scored he had an influence on the game. His first six passes were all in a forward direction, all accurate, and all put pressure on (Villarreal). Everything was starting to revolve around Nicky Butt. "He's not known as a goalscorer and even less famous with his head but they were two headers which, dare I say it, (Alan) Shearer would have been proud of." Nevertheless, Roeder sidestepped a question about whether Butt wanted to stay at Newcastle, adding: "I think Nicky Butt wants to play football. Whatever club he is at, I think he wants to play football." Butt's situation is further complicated by the Magpies' interest in Thomas Gravesen. Both parties have expressed an interest in a move and the 30-year-old Real Madrid midfielder's arrival could necessitate Butt's departure. Ex-Portsmouth midfielder Faye, who watched Saturday's game from the stands, seems likely to leave after the Addicks agreed a price in the region of £2m for the 29-year-old Senagalese international.

Middlesbrough will step up their search for new faces on Monday after being snubbed by Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt. (Various) Manchester United will hold talks with West Brom on Monday to try and agree a deal for goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak. (Daily Mirror) Stuart Pearce is considering a £2m bid from Portsmouth for England goalkeeper David James. (Various) West Brom boss Bryan Robson is to make a surprise attempt to sign Togo World Cup striker Adekambi Oluufade on a season-long loan from Lille. (Daily Mirror) Sol Campbell will complete his move from Arsenal to Portsmouth on Monday after agreeing terms with Harry Redknapp's side. (Daily Express) Middlesbrough will complete a £1m deal for Blackburn defender Brett Emerton on Tuesday. (Daily Mail) Crystal Palace are closing in on a £200,000 deal for Ghana star Dan Quaye. (Daily Star) Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will complete the £1.6m signing of Peru defender Juan Vargas on Monday. (Daily Mirror) OTHER GOSSIP Defender Ashley Cole, who is expected to join Chelsea, will be left behind by Arsenal as they head for Tuesday's Champions League qualifier with Dinamo Zagreb. (Various) Tottenham new boy Didier Zokora says he can become the Patrick Vieira of White Hart Lane. (Various) Charlton new boy Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he is not sure whether Andriy Shevchenko has what it takes to succeed in the Premiership. (Daily Mirror) Former Scotland boss Tommy Docherty has criticised Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson, saying that most of the deals he has struck in the past few years have been 'crazy'. (Daily Record) Joe Cole's damaged knee could rule him out of action until Christmas. (Various) Terry Venables will be unveiled as England's number two on Monday after signing a contract with the FA on Sunday. (The Sun) Chelsea's players want William Gallas to say sorry after the French defender missed the Blues' pre-season trip to the USA. (Various) American billionaire is still hoping to takeover Aston Villa - and wants to build a Las Vegas-style super casino on land owned by the club. (Various) FUNNIES Porto boss Co Adriaanse says Man Utd are 'crazy' to spend £18.6m on Michael Carrick - and claims that sort of money should only be spent on a 'painting or a work of art'. (Daily Mirror) Martin O'Neill got frugal Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis to open his wallet within hours of taking over as boss - but only to pay for a Chinese meal. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth will lock horns with Newcastle in a bid to prise Bolton centre-back Tal Ben Haim from the Reebok Stadium in a £2million deal. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is desperate to bolster his defensive options having told Andy O'Brien he has no future at Fratton Park. And although Redknapp is expected to complete the capture of England centre-back Sol Campbell this week, he is also keen to land hardman Ben Haim - who can also play in the full-back positions. If the Trotters agree to do business, though, Redknapp will face stiff competition from Glenn Roeder's Magpies for his signature. Jean-Alain Boumsong is out of favour at St James' Park, and Roeder watched his side ship in three goals against Villarreal on Saturday. Craig Moore and Titus Bramble are currently Newcastle's first-choice centre-backs, with Steven Taylor pushing them hard for a place.

Thomas Gravesen's agent has expressed his client's interest in a potential move to Newcastle. Magpies manager Glenn Roeder confirmed this week that the club were monitoring the unsettled Real Madrid midfielder's status. The former West Ham boss qualified that interest by suggesting that any one of a number of Premiership clubs would be keen to acquire the enforcer. But Newcastle may have jumped to the head of the queue for the player, who will meet with Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic in order to discuss his future. The 30-year-old has long been linked with a switch from El Bernabeu, and his exit may have been facilitated by a training ground spat with Robinho. The Dane's agent John Sivebaek underlined the £2 million-rated star's desire to return to The Premiership after a successful spell with Everton - the side he left for Real in January 2005. "Thomas knows that Newcastle are a big club and we are only interested in talking to ambitious clubs," said Sivebaek. "He had a good time in England and would prefer to go back there."

Get well soon "Auld Yin"

Happy Birthday dude. Hope both you and the missus had a good one.

Albert Luque insists he is champing at the bit to get on the scoresheet against Villarreal tonight. The Newcastle United forward has netted four goals in his last four games and is set to start the clash against the La Liga outfit alongside Shola Ameobi in attack. However, the former Deportivo La Coruna man is not guaranteed a place in the starting line-up against Wigan when the Premiership kicks off in two weeks' time, leaving him determined to keep his fine form going against last season's Champions League semi-finalists. Luque, who will be a familiar face to many of today's visitors, said: "I know all about Villarreal because they are a Spanish side, and it would be great to score. "They were a big team last year because they got to the last four of the Champions League. "They were knocked out of the InterToto Cup this year, but they have signed more players and are a better team than last season. "I think they have a strong side and it will be a very difficult match." Luque has been impressed by United's pre-season build-up, which has so far yielded nine goals in four games despite the lack of strikers. The Spaniard has bagged twice while Shola Ameobi has three goals to his name following strikes against Lillestrom and PSV. Luque, though, is braced for a tough encounter against the side from El Madrigal. He added: "Newcastle are a strong team and so are Villarreal, so it will be a good match. "It is an excellent way to prepare for the Wigan game and the UEFA Cup second qualifying round." Luque came back with a bang from his summer in Spain after netting the equaliser in the clash with Lillestrom in the InterToto Cup, but missed the return leg in Norway due to a back injury. However, the Spaniard came off the bench for last week's clash with PSV Eindhoven and tucked home a penalty. Luque scored against Villarreal in one of his final appearances for Depor in 2005 and underlined his determination to do the same again tonight. He said: "I have scored 56 goals in La Liga and one of those was against Villarreal. "I want to use this game to get my legs ready for the new season and also it is vital for me to score more goals. "It is more important to me than most games because it is against a Spanish side. "And if I do score my name will be in the Spanish newspapers."

Shola Ameobi has been handed a glowing reference by Newcastle United great Les Ferdinand as he looks likely to kick-off the new season as one of Glenn Roeder's main men. The Toon striker is undoubtedly United's senior striker at the moment, with Michael Owen's season all but written off following his World Cup hammer blow and the jury still out on £9.5m Spaniard Albert Luque. However, with only winger Damien Duff so far arriving from Chelsea this summer, the emphasis on Ameobi to lead the line is growing by the day with the opening clash with Wigan now just two weeks' away. Yet Ferdinand feels that in Ameobi, United already have a fit and available quality marksman on their hands. He told the Chronicle today: "For me there is already a player at Newcastle who has what it takes to get the goals this season. "That player is Shola and we have already seen glimpses of what he can do when he has played alongside Alan Shearer. "But because he has been a young player coming through and he has actually been playing in Alan's shadow, I think he will only get better." Ferdinand, of course, is big pals with Shearer after forging a strike partnership that lasted only one season but yielded almost a half-century of goals. And while Sir Les knows that club legend Shearer is almost an impossible act to follow, he feels that his retirement could bring out the best in Ameobi. He added: "Sometimes it is hard for a striker, particularly the younger ones, to shine like that. "Now that Alan has retired, that is an obstacle taken away for Shola. "I certainly think he has the capabilities to do well." Ferdinand is only one of three players to don the famous No 9 shirt in the Premiership for United - Shearer and Andy Cole are the others - and the ex-QPR and England star pointed to Cole's next destination after Newcastle as an example of how Ameobi could go from strength to strength. For even though Cole was a huge loss to Newcastle when he left in 1995 in a deal worth £7m, it was only a few years later when Man U fans saw the best of him. Ferdinand says: "Look at Andy Cole when was at Manchester United. "He only started to produce the goods on a frequent basis at Old Trafford when Eric Cantona retired. "It does happen in football for some reason. "I can also speak from experience as well during my QPR days. "Back then we had Roy Wegerle playing at Loftus Road and I found it hard to shine while he was getting the goals. "It becomes difficult to focus, but when Roy left for Blackburn, Les Ferdinand became a different player for QPR. "That could be the same at Newcastle with Shola. "He now has the responsibility on his shoulders. "Hopefully he can rise to that challenge because he certainly is capable and has the ability."

The Guardian run with this too and also link De Cler with us...

On the other hand, Real Madrid have been excellent with Woodgate concerning the injury (they've never rushed him back once, they've sent him to USA for operations, he's had a lot of rehabilitation), could be a very small chance that with him having an injury-free pre-season this year, it might have cleared over. (I should have maybe put the "very small" in bold). 168931[/snapback] He's barely played since he left us though. Whether that's because they haven't rushed him back or because he's a complete crock, who knows, but the fact that they'd be willing to cash in on him suggests they wouldn't be expecting to get too much return on their medical investment by keeping him. 168945[/snapback] Exactly, if Madrid thought for a minute he was ever going to be fully fit, I fail to see why they would want to release him. The thought of a fit Woodgate and Cannavaro playing at centre half would surely fix Reals defensive problems. Unless they know hes never going to be fit I fail to see why they would let a player of that quality go...

It's Ronaldo man. Real Madrid triple swoop. 168924[/snapback] See Graveson allegedly smacked Robinho in pre-season training! So a triple swoop of a proper player, a crock and a new shareholder in greggs. 168932[/snapback] Quadruple swoop tbh, you forgot Beckham..

Happy Birthday..

Happy Birthday dude..

Happy Birthday...

Reports in Italy suggest Newcastle are weighing up a move for highly-rated Empoli striker Francesco Tavano. The Magpies are rumoured to be in the market for a new striker, with Michael Owen's long-term injury focusing minds on Tyneside, particularly after the retirement of Alan Shearer. Manager Glenn Roeder has been keeping his cards close to his chest, although after adding Damien Duff to his squad, he is now reportedly eyeing up Tavano. Tavano has long been linked with a move from the Tuscan side, only for Empoli's valuation of €12 million to scare off potential suitors. Reports claim Newcastle are preparing a bid in the region of €10 million, but The Magpies could face competition from Barcelona, with Frank Rijkaard believed to be ready to enter the bidding.

New Sunderland manager Niall Quinn could be poised to make a double swoop on Spanish giants Barcelona. The Black Cats have taken 20-year-old striker Oriel Riera on trial, while sources in the North East also claim the club are weighing up a move for Barca B team captain Arnau Caldentey. 24-year-old Caldentey, who has never featured for the Catalan side's first team, impressed Quinn during two days of training last week. Sunderland will face competition from Hearts for Caldentey, with the Edinburgh club having also offered the player a trial. Quinn, who is also running the rule over ex-Newcastle defender Robbie Elliott and Pasching goalkeeper Michael Gspurning, is hopeful of being able to take a closer look at the Barcelona pair in a forthcoming behind closed doors friendly. "I'm still waiting to hear back from clubs," Quinn told the Sunday Sun. "We've got in touch with two of the clubs we are hoping to get players from and we hope to move it on more over the weekend." While Quinn is on the lookout for new blood, the Irishman had words of praise for one of the players he inherited from the reign of Mick McCarthy. Much maligned striker Jonathan Stead, struck the first goal in a 3-0 friendly win over Carlisle on Saturday, in Quinn's first match in charge, and the Irishman has backed the goal-shy striker to come good in The Championship. "He led the line well and came up with a fine goal. You could see what it meant to him - he's alive and kicking now," added Quinn. "He's a real talent. We know it's in there - it's all onwards and upwards for him now."

If Real are seriously keen about loaning him out, I'd hope to hell we made an approach with an option to buy should his fitness hold out. I know a lot of people are concerned by his fitness, but I've never seen a better defender in 24 years of following the club! 167108[/snapback] Wayne Bridge, Sol Campbell and Jonny Woodgate playing in defence for us... Would love it but cannot see it happening...

Not yet anyway. 167028[/snapback] From what I've seen, he never will be. 167032[/snapback] Couldn't agree more. Has never looked like he will be good enough IMO

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd says he is still working hard to bring new faces to the Premiership club after capturing Damien Duff. The former Chelsea winger made his Magpies debut to a raucous reception in a pre-season friendly against PSV Eindhoven on Saturday, but the 3-2 defeat to the Dutch champions reinforced the notion that the Premiership club cannot rest on their laurels after signing the Republic of Ireland international. With Alan Shearer retiring and Michael Owen expected to be out injured for the majority of the season a striker is a priority for Glenn Roeder's side, and the club have been linked with both Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt and West Ham's Dean Ashton. Newcastle may also be looking to strengthen their backline, with reports on Sunday suggesting that Sol Campbell is a target, and chairman Shepherd says he is hoping to inject more new faces before the transfer window closes. "We're aware that we still need to strengthen and we're working towards more signings," said Shepherd. "Patience is important in getting the right players. "The transfer deadline is the last day of August, which is still over a month away." However Shepherd has allowed himself to bask in the glory of Duff's cut-price £5 million arrival from Stamford Bridge, saying the signing could eventually be seen as one of The Magpies' most astute pieces of business. "We smashed the world record when we paid £15 million for Alan Shearer in 1996 and in terms of impact we will probably never make a more important signing," said Shepherd in The Sunday Mirror. "We also proved the size of our ambition by luring Michael Owen from Real Madrid last summer. "But in its own way the capture of Damien could turn out to be one of our best pieces of business. "When you consider that we have got a world class player who cost £17 million three years ago for £5 million, Duff has to one of our top signings." Meanwhile the star, who showed glimpses of his talent during the game against PSV, has stated he would be keen to end his career at St James' Park. "I see myself finishing my career here at Newcastle," Duff told the Sunday Sun. "I'm 27 and I would like to think I have a good eight years in me. "My contract here will take me to 32, but I will put my heart and soul into the club and hopefully stay here longer."

Faye out, Gravesen in would be a fantastic piece of business.

I agree in part Gemmill, but then what else can i have that is for my team? I dont want just the words. I suppose i could have a small magpie. (though one is for sorrow and i dont want anymore of that, so i'd have to have 2) 166963[/snapback] Just get a barcode....