Magpies make successful Smith
bid
Newcastle have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Manchester
United for England striker Alan Smith. The Magpies are in talks
with the 26-year-old, who has also been linked with a host of
Premiership clubs. Smith who could even make his Newcastle debut
alongside his former Leeds team-mate Mark Viduka in a pre-season
friendly against Sampdoria on Sunday.
The Magpies have also confirmed they are talking to the former Lyon
captain Claudio Cacapa. The 31-year-old Brazilian central defender
is out of contract but skippered the French champions in each of
their last five title-winning seasons. Newcastle manager Sam
Allardyce has so far added Viduka, Joey Barton, David Rozehnal and
Geremi since arriving at the club. But with six players departing
and Kieron Dyer also set to leave the new manager has been
frustrated in his lack of new faces.
However, the club are hopeful of beating off competition from their
north-east rivals Middlesbrough and Sunderland, as well as the
likes of Everton and Spurs, by attracting the £6m-rated Smith to St
James' Park. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson earlier
admitted there had been plenty of interest in the player.
Everton's chase is thought to be dependent upon them offloading
James Beattie, while Boro's bid looks to have stalled. Smith has
two years left on his current deal but is expected to be sold
before the start of the season. He battled back from a broken leg
to play last season, but the offer of a new deal at Old Trafford
has not materialised. The striker was signed from Leeds United for
£7m three years ago.
