Sunderland mull bid for Toon star Habib Beye

[Angelus71 4]

From the Chron

 

SUNDERLAND are considering rubbing salt in Newcastle fans' relegation wounds – by making a move for Habib Beye.

 

New Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is eyeing the popular and versatile defender, as are Everton, West Ham and Stoke.

 

Although he is one of the players Alan Shearer most wants to keep when – or if – he gets the Newcastle manager’s job full time, Beye’s future is up in the air because of the stalemate at St James’ Park.

 

The Senegal international was quick to pledge his commitment to the Magpies’ cause following their relegation from the Premier League.

 

But Beye, who has just a year left on his contract at Newcastle, also went into the summer expecting talks over a new deal.

 

With Shearer’s situation still shamefully unresolved more than a month on from the end of the season, those talks have not taken place.

 

And that has left the Magpies vulnerable to Premier League interest in a player who, at 31, may not get too many more shots at top-flight football.

 

Even though contract negotiations have been shelved as Shearer waits on being offered the manager’s job by Newcastle’s prospective new owners, Beye is unlikely to rock the boat by asking for a move.

 

But the fear is that United’s desperate need to slash their wage bill may override the obvious value of keeping Beye on board for the battle ahead in the Championship.

 

And the player himself would have no choice but to listen to offers which would offer him security as he enters the twilight of his career.

 

Beye’s departure would be a hammer blow to fans who have cherished his sterling performances in a largely unconvincing back four.

 

A dynamic presence at right- back, Beye also impressed when filling in at centre-half last season.

 

Like Beye, Steven Taylor is very much on Shearer’s "keep" list, but is also being forced to contemplate his future as the former England captain’s own prospects remain uncertain.

 

And the ultimate worry is that the loss of players he sees as crucial to any promotion push might prompt Shearer to abandon his hopes of rescuing his hometown club.

 

Meanwhile, as predicted in the Chronicle yesterday, United have confirmed that they will play a friendly away to Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht on Sunday, July 26 (kick-off 2.30pm local time).

 

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When the fuck are we going to get a manager????

[Tom 13895]

I would probably top myself.

[Ayatollah Hermione 12859]

They can fuck off.

 

And Habib would never do such a thing.

[FriendlyMackem 0]

He is a good player, cant see us getting him tho tbh, unless he doesnt want the hassle of moving house!

[ewerk 26735]

I'm surprised there hasn't been more interest in him.

[meshman 0]

everyone else is too busy fighting over mike `im good me like` owen.

[Acid 0]

everyone else is too busy fighting over mike `im good me like` owen.

 

The final push off the cliff.

[Howay 12495]

Not even a slight chance of this happening tbh I could however see him going to Everton or something if they don't hurry the fuck up and just appoint Shearer

Edited June 23, 2009 by Barton7

[tinofbeans 87]

aye he's better than hibbert and sunderlands right back.

 

way better!

[David Kelly 1117]

Could see Ashley having one final kick at us by doing this like. But the article doesn't offer one once of evidence!

[Stephen 0]

If they offered him a significant increase on what he is paid here, I could see him moving. He's the wrong side of 30, not many years in the top flight left, it could be his final payday. That would be the only scenario I could see him moving to Sunderland, the money. I generally think he likes this club, but if Sunderland threw enough money at him he would become interested.

[leannenufc 0]

No. No, no, no, no, no.

 

I doubt it's true, but if it is, then suicide really would become an interesting option.