Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce could be ready to make an
audacious bid to persuade Gabriel Heinze to swap Old Trafford for
St James' Park. It is understood Allardyce, backed by new Magpies
owner Mike Ashley, is considering a move for the 29-year-old
Manchester United defender as he contemplates his
future.
However, he would face stiff competition for the Argentina
international, who was last week linked with United's north-west
rivals Liverpool, with continental giants Real Madrid, AC Milan and
Barcelona also keeping tabs on him. Allardyce has made the
recruitment of a left-back a major priority after landing striker
Mark Viduka, midfielders Joey Barton and Geremi and central
defender David Rozehnal.
Deputy chairman Chris Mort last week revealed there is money in the
kitty for further acquisitions and forecast "a couple" more
signings. The Magpies have privately played down speculation
linking them with Barcelona midfielder Deco and Real Madrid star
Raul, although their interest in Heinze is more concrete.
The former Paris St Germain defender, who cost United £6.9million
in July 2004, found himself in direct competition with France
international Patrice Evra last season. There have been rumours
since that the player is less than settled and could exercise his
right to buy himself out of his contract at Old Trafford.
Where Liverpool's hopes of luring the South American to Anfield may
be scuppered by the rivalry between the two clubs, Newcastle have
done business with United on several occasions during Sir Alex
Ferguson's reign. Keith Gillespie and Nicky Butt have both crossed
the Pennines for St James' while Giuseppe Rossi spent three months
on loan on Tyneside last season, although Ferguson was less than
impressed with his lack of senior football.
Heinze, who played for his country in last night's 4-0 Copa America
victory over Peru in Venezuela, will seek assurances over his
future on his return, although he has previously hinted he could
leave the Barclays Premier League champions if the right offer came
along.
For all Newcastle would face a monumental battle to capture the
player should he become available, Allardyce had a commendable
record for attracting impressive signings to Bolton with the likes
of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and
Nicolas Anelka all heading for the Reebok Stadium during his
reign.
