Newcastle look to rescue Stephen Ireland from Aston Villa nightmare

20 January 2011 09:32
Stephen Ireland has been offered an escape route out of Aston Villa by Newcastle after boss Alan Pardew entered the running for the midfielder's services.[LNB]Ireland has suffered a massive fall from grace from his days as Manchester City's in-form midfielder to being let go by the club at the beginning of the season before falling out of favour with new Villa boss Gerard Houllier.[LNB]The Frenchman will not stand in the way of Ireland moving on since the arrival recent recruit of Jean Makoun leaves him covered in midfield.[LNB] Nightmare over: Newcastle could rescue unsettled midfielder Stpehen Ireland from Aston Villa[LNB]Houllier voiced his concern over new signing Ireland when he took charge at Villa Park in September, unhappy that the player did not live closer to the club's Bodymoor Heath training complex.[LNB]The 24-year-old, who was named City's player of the season in 2009, has been linked with a move to Glasgow giants Celtic.[LNB]But the SPL title hopefuls baulked at his expensive wages leaving Newcastle manager Pardew to ponder a bid that would see Ireland revive ties in midfielder with ex-City team-mate Joey Barton.[LNB] Back together: A move to Newcastle would see Ireland revive ties with ex-City team-mate Barton (L)[LNB]It is understood Newcastle would favour a loan deal until the end-of-the season but Villa would demand they pick up his salary. [LNB]The clubs could reach an agreement before the weekend.[LNB]  Bent rage: Villa striker hits back as Sunderland fuel tapping-up rowCarroll blow for Newcastle as crocked striker is ruled out of Spurs clashAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinionAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion [LNB]  Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Joey Barton Places: Newcastle, Glasgow, Ireland

Source: Daily_Mail