Newcastle close to Ireland swoop

Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland was undergoing a medical at Newcastle on Sunday as the Magpies closed in on a loan deal.It is understood the 24-year-old was in the north-east on Sunday as manager Alan Pardew looked to bolster his squad for the remainder of the season.There was no official confirmation from the club, but sources on Tyneside are hopeful that a deal can be struck ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline.