July 08, 2006
Newcastle: We'll buy you Van Nistelrooy
Newcastle united hope to persuade David Beckham to join them by making a move for his former Manchester United team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy.
As Sportsmail exclusively revealed yesterday, ambitious Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has put the Real Madrid midfielder at the top of his wish list as he prepares for a season without the injured Michael Owen and talismanic ex-skipper Alan Shearer.
Although Beckham's aides deny a meeting took place, Shepherd is desperate to land a big-name signing.
England striker Owen, a £17million signing from Real last summer, is likely to miss all of the forthcoming campaign because of the knee injury suffered during the World Cup.
Shepherd has told Beckham that Van Nistelrooy, whose Old Trafford future is uncertain, is another St James' Park target, while Real's Brazil striker Ronaldo is also on the Newcastle radar as they look to lift the spirits of their fans, improve season-ticket sales and boost marketing revenue.
The chairman wants a player who will be mentally strong enough to take over the iconic No 9 shirt from Shearer, who retired at the end of last season.
Yesterday Newcastle refused to deny a meeting had taken place at Claridges Hotel in London but they did say they were keen not to harm their relationship with Real Madrid. Real bought central defender Jonathan Woodgate for £9million two years ago and last summer sold Owen after Newcastle matched their valuation. The Spaniards have also remained in touch about the form and possible availability of Albert Luque, who had a disappointing first season on Tyneside after his £9m move from Deportivo La Coruna.
Former Spain forward Luque established himself in Luis Aragones's squad after impressive seasons with Real Mallorca and Deportivo before his move last year.
He is still highly regarded in Spain despite losing his international place and failing to live up to his reputation in the Premiership after suffering a horrific leg injury last August. Newcastle would be happy to use the 28-year-old as a bargaining tool.
With only Shola Ameobi fit among the recognised strikers, Luque currently has an important role to play in Glenn Roeder's first full season in charge. Roeder had initial enquiries about Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe knocked back by Charlton and Tottenham but Shepherd is not one to give up easily.
Newcastle are also monitoring the Shaun Wright-Phillips situation at Chelsea and will not rule out a move if he is deemed surplus to requirements. With president Sir John Hall preparing to sell his stake in the club, the hierarchy are anticipating substantial new investment which they plan to use before the transfer window closes next month.
Beckham's spokesman in Spain, Simon Oliveira, denied there had been any talks about a deal.
He said: 'David and Victoria didn't meet with Freddy Shepherd and they haven't discussed a move to Newcastle. David dropped Victoria at Claridges to have a meeting with her publishers regarding her new book. It just so happened that Shepherd was also there. But there's no truth of a meeting taking place.'
Beckham has one year left on his contract with Real and Oliveira said he is looking for an extension.
'We are in negotiations to renew his contract. All parties have shown a desire to tie up a new deal and it will come sooner rather than later. David is looking forward to a new season with Madrid and meeting and working under coach Fabio Capello.'
As Sportsmail exclusively revealed yesterday, ambitious Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has put the Real Madrid midfielder at the top of his wish list as he prepares for a season without the injured Michael Owen and talismanic ex-skipper Alan Shearer.
Although Beckham's aides deny a meeting took place, Shepherd is desperate to land a big-name signing.
England striker Owen, a £17million signing from Real last summer, is likely to miss all of the forthcoming campaign because of the knee injury suffered during the World Cup.
Shepherd has told Beckham that Van Nistelrooy, whose Old Trafford future is uncertain, is another St James' Park target, while Real's Brazil striker Ronaldo is also on the Newcastle radar as they look to lift the spirits of their fans, improve season-ticket sales and boost marketing revenue.
The chairman wants a player who will be mentally strong enough to take over the iconic No 9 shirt from Shearer, who retired at the end of last season.
Yesterday Newcastle refused to deny a meeting had taken place at Claridges Hotel in London but they did say they were keen not to harm their relationship with Real Madrid. Real bought central defender Jonathan Woodgate for £9million two years ago and last summer sold Owen after Newcastle matched their valuation. The Spaniards have also remained in touch about the form and possible availability of Albert Luque, who had a disappointing first season on Tyneside after his £9m move from Deportivo La Coruna.
Former Spain forward Luque established himself in Luis Aragones's squad after impressive seasons with Real Mallorca and Deportivo before his move last year.
He is still highly regarded in Spain despite losing his international place and failing to live up to his reputation in the Premiership after suffering a horrific leg injury last August. Newcastle would be happy to use the 28-year-old as a bargaining tool.
With only Shola Ameobi fit among the recognised strikers, Luque currently has an important role to play in Glenn Roeder's first full season in charge. Roeder had initial enquiries about Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe knocked back by Charlton and Tottenham but Shepherd is not one to give up easily.
Newcastle are also monitoring the Shaun Wright-Phillips situation at Chelsea and will not rule out a move if he is deemed surplus to requirements. With president Sir John Hall preparing to sell his stake in the club, the hierarchy are anticipating substantial new investment which they plan to use before the transfer window closes next month.
Beckham's spokesman in Spain, Simon Oliveira, denied there had been any talks about a deal.
He said: 'David and Victoria didn't meet with Freddy Shepherd and they haven't discussed a move to Newcastle. David dropped Victoria at Claridges to have a meeting with her publishers regarding her new book. It just so happened that Shepherd was also there. But there's no truth of a meeting taking place.'
Beckham has one year left on his contract with Real and Oliveira said he is looking for an extension.
'We are in negotiations to renew his contract. All parties have shown a desire to tie up a new deal and it will come sooner rather than later. David is looking forward to a new season with Madrid and meeting and working under coach Fabio Capello.'
