NUFC Transfer Rumours

[kennethlindheim]

With outside attention focused on their pursuit of Tal Ben Haim, Newcastle United are close to signing Czech centre-back David Rozenhal as Sam Allardyce aims to complete a defensive double deal by the end of the week.

Rozenhal's French club, Paris-Saint Germain, have revealed that discussions with Newcastle are at an advanced stage following the agreement of a fee of around £2.5m.

The 25-year-old Czech Republic international is keen on a move to England and, with wages not thought to be a problem, Rozenhal is likely to be Allardyce's next signing following the capture of Mark Viduka last week and the imminent arrival of Joey Barton from Manchester City.

"The deal is close to being completed," said a source close to PSG sporting director Alain Roche last night. "There has been contact between the clubs and a fee between three and four million euros has been agreed.

"It is not quite there but there aren't any problems expected from PSG and we already know that Rozenhal would be very happy with a move to the Premiership with Newcastle United."

Newcastle's manager has not confirmed in public that he is aiming to sign Rozenhal, instead indicating that Ben Haim was his main defensive priority last week. But The Journal understands the capture of Rozenhal does not mean the Magpies have lost out to Chelsea in the battle to sign Ben Haim on a Bosman-style free transfer from Allardyce's former club Bolton Wanderers.

The Israel international has also attracted interest from the deposed Premiership champions and had been close to moving to Stamford Bridge in January before Allardyce blocked the transfer. At that stage, Allardyce had no idea he would be Newcastle's next manager, but he is confident he has persuaded the tough-tackling defender to turn his back on Chelsea for a second time because he will be guaranteed more first-team football at St James's Park.

icNewcastle - Sam closes in on Rozenhal

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Newcastle eyeing Depor defender Coloccini

Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabricio Coloccini.

The Sunday Sun says the Argentina international is under consideration by Toon boss Sam Allardyce.

Great player who can play right back or centre half.He will not be expensive either.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Newcastle boss Allardyce keen on Bolton's Diouf

Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is eyeing Bolton Wanderers striker El Hadji Diouf.

The Evening Chronicle says the Senegal international is a target for Allardyce should Michael Owen demand a move away from St James' Park this summer.

In return for £10m in wages he has banked since he arrived, Owen has only started 13 games for United and scored seven goals.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Newcastle wrapping up Rozehnal deal

Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce last night was close to wrapping up a £2 million deal for PSG defender David Rozehnal.

The 26 year-old could see his switch to Tyneside rubberstamped today, despite rival interest from Borussia Dortmund.

Source: tribalfootball.com

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Newcastle scouted Ajax's Babel

Newcastle United are eyeing Ajax striker Ryan Babel.

The Independent says Newcastle and Arsenal had scouts watch Babel on Sunday in action for Holland U21 against Belgium.

[kennethlindheim]

I haven't really much knowledge of Rozehnal as an individual, only that he is part of an excellent Czech back four, in a team which value teamwork and work ethic.

The Czechs are a Boltonesque side as such, and the hope would be that Rozehnal is being signed to become part of a well drilled unit, as seen with Bolton and the Czech Republic.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Newcastle boss Allardyce won't give up Beckham loan

Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce won't give up on landing David Beckham on-loan in January from LA Galaxy.

The Journal says while head coach Frank Yallop does not favour the idea, Alexi Lalas - the Galaxy's general manager - is amenable to Beckham returning to Europe on loan when the American domestic season comes to an end in November.

"I've always thought he (Beckham) could do a job in the Premiership, if he becomes available I would gladly take him on loan at Newcastle," Allardyce told Zoo magazine. "That's something that can only be discussed at a later date, but if he carries on the way he is going on, there will be plenty of people who want to acquire his services.

"Henrik Larsson (who spent three months on loan at Manchester United last season) proved you can make an impact by coming on a short-term loan to the Premiership. David could definitely make a big impression.

"His season in America will be over in November, so technically he might be able to come and play in Europe then, but he'll need a good break first. He's only having a couple of weeks holiday before he goes to LA Galaxy this summer, so by November he'll have to have another break.

"Then it will be between LA Galaxy and him to decide whether he (can) come back here on loan, or whether he has too many off-field commitments."

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Diarra prefers Newcastle to Portsmouth

Olympique Lyon midfielder Alou Diarra isn't overly enthusiastic about joining Portsmouth, it has been revealed.

Lyon and Portsmouth are close to settling on a £5.5 million fee for the France international, but Diarra reportedly would prefer a move to a bigger club.

Indeed, the midfielder has ordered his representatives to sound out Sam Allardyce's Newcastle about firming up their initial interest.

Source: tribalfootball.com

[kennethlindheim]

Zoo Magazine ffs? Beckham to St. James' is not going to happen. Next!

[Pennywise]

Zoo?

[kennethlindheim]

Allardyce will scrutinise events in the Netherlands this evening, but it will not be James Milner or Steven Taylor who are of the greatest interest to a manager closing in on his third signing at St James's Park.

Having increased his offer for the Paris-Saint Germain defender David Rozehnal, the Newcastle boss will turn his attentions to his other targets, and with three such players expected to start for Holland in tonight's European Under-21 Championship semi-final against England, United are expected to be represented at Heerenveen's Abe Lenstra Stadion. The agent representing NAC Breda's Maceo Rigters last night insisted that he expects the Magpies will rival Celtic for the striker's signature following the tournament's conclusion.

Ryan Babel - the Ajax forward who attracted Glenn Roeder's interest six months ago - is also understood to be coming under renewed consideration as Allardyce attempts to increase his attacking options. And Dutch sources have named Newcastle among the `10 or 15 clubs' to have registered an interest in Feyenoord's attacking full-back Royston Drenthe. De Kuip officials are adamant the 20-year-old left-sider will not be sold this summer, but a move to the Premier League is starting to seem inevitable given Drenthe's performances in recent weeks.

It remains to be seen whether St James's Park will be his next destination, but there is little question that the powerful player fits the bill. With the injured Damien Duff sidelined until November and Celestine Babayaro surplus to requirements, the versatile Drenthe would be a useful addition to Allardyce's first-team squad. Sunderland are also understood to be considering a bid, although it seems Feyenoord pose the greatest threat to the North-East rivals, with Drenthe contracted to the Rotterdam club for the next four seasons.

"It's correct that Royston has received much attention," said coach Bert van Marwijk last night. "But Feyenoord need to keep him, he's a player the club needs and there are no financial reasons to sell him."

United's scouts are understood to have been at Saturday's 2-2 draw between Holland and Belgium, a game in which Drenthe scored and furthered his burgeoning reputation. Rigters was also on target and the 23-year-old is expected to be watched again.

"There has been a lot of interest," said Ton Smit, the player's agent, last night. "Celtic are seriously interested and Newcastle are also looking at him. We've had no official offers, but I believe both clubs will watch him against England."

Roeder was keen to sign Babel during January's transfer window but was unable to do so. Aston Villa and Arsenal are interested in a 20-year-old who favours a move to the Emirates Stadium, although Arsene Wenger has still to be convinced enough to lodge a bid.

Allardyce will be interested to see how the trio fare against an England team that will feature Milner and Taylor and, should he need further information, the United boss could seek Tim Krul's opinion.

Newcastle's teenage goalkeeper - the youngest player in the Dutch squad - has yet to make an appearance at Under-21 level. He will be on the bench again in Heerenveen and is in the ideal position to evaluate Rigters, Drenthe and Babel.

icNewcastle - Allardyce looks at Dutch trio

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Newcastle win race for Man Utd striker Smith

Newcastle United have clinched an agreement for Manchester United striker Alan Smith.

The Mirror says Toon boss Sam Allardyce made his move for Smith after the England striker made public his dismay at not being offered a new deal by United. A deal worth around £3.5 million has been agreed for Smith.

A host of Premiership clubs including Tottenham and Aston Villa made clear their interest in signing Smith but Newcastle have won the race.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Manchester United have rejected a Newcastle approach for defensive duo Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre.

[kennethlindheim]

If we sign Smith, then one of our strikers will most definitively leave the club. If one of them is Owen or Martins, and we sign Smith as replacement I will be pist. If we sell Ameobi, and Smith is is replacement, then I will be happy with that.