Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly in talks with
French outfit Marseille in a bid to sign their captain Habib
Beye.
The Chronicle claims Allardyce is confident of convincing the
Paris-born player to swap France for Tyneside as hopes of an
audacious swoop for Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze fade.
Senegal international right-back Beye played against United in the
2004 UEFA Cup semi-final.
Newcastle have already added versatile Cameroon international
Geremi to their squad as well as Czech centre-back David Rozehnal,
but bolstering the Magpies' fragile defence remains Allardyce's
primary goal.
United are expected to complete the signing of World Cup winner
Edmilson in the January transfer window, while Barcelona have
apparently offered Newcastle the chance to sign Portuguese schemer
Deco.
However, these deals will take a back seat while Allardyce focuses
on more pressing concerns at the other end of the pitch.