NEWCASTLE will offer Emre to Barcelona in a bid to win the race for
Portuguese superstar Deco.
Toon officials will talk with representatives of Barca and Deco
this week in a bid to lure the midfielder to St James' Park.
New Toon owner Mike Ashley wants a global superstar at the club and
has Deco high on his list.
Newcastle will try and finalise the signing of defender Juliano
Belletti this week and hope to discuss Deco during those
talks.
A Toon source revealed: "It is no secret Mike Ashley wants a high
profile player at the club and Deco fits the bill perfectly.
"The club plan to talk with Barcelona this week to see if the deal
can be achieved and are ready to offer Emre plus around £8million
in cash."
Deco has always insisted he wants to play in the Premier League and
is understood to be keen on a move to Tyneside.
Toon boss Sam Allardyce is also tracking Reading defender Nicky
Shorey and is ready to bid £5.75m this week.
He is also on the lookout for a new keeper with Shay Given injured
and has targeted Chelsea No2 Carlo Cudicini on loan.
Allardyce said: "We do not have an experienced goalkeeper so I will
be looking for one over the next couple of days.
"Initially it will be on loan but we want one with the right
experience."