With the West Ham takeover seemingly a done deal, attention is now turning to the Belgravia Group’s plans to buy Newcastle United. The Guardian reports that the company is preparing to pounce before Freddy Shepherd has chance to tuck into his Christmas pudding.
Apart from an increased amount of perspiration on Shepherd’s forehead, the main effect of this seems to be that the Magpies have been linked with just about every player possible. Click below for a round-up from today’s papers alone.
Shaun Maloney
The Celtic outcast’s future has long been debated, but having called off contract talks at Parkhead he seems likely to make a move to the Premier League. Newcastle were among the clubs immediately linked with the 23-year-old. It is thought Celtic would accept a bid of £500,000 in January rather than let the Scotland international leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Patrick Kisnorbo
Newcastle scouts reportedly watched the Leicester City defender in action for Australia against Ghana last week. The 25-year-old is also rumoured to be attracting interest from Fulham. The former Hearts player joined the Foxes last season and was linked with a moves to Birmingham, Everton or Wigan after an impressive start to his career in the Championship.
Scott Brown
Although Rangers have a headstart, Newcastle have joined the race to sign the £3 million-rated Brown. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away from Easter Road for some time, but the club are reluctant to sell and will hold out for their valuation.
Kevin Thomson
Thomson is likely to follow wherever Brown leads. Some reports are claiming that a combined fee of £5-6 million is needed to secure both players. The 22-year-old midfielder has made no secret of the fact that he would like to perform on a larger stage.
[Rob Parker]