Newcastle consider Alan Smith swap deal with Middlesbrough for Mido

08 January 2009 13:19
According to the Sun[LNB], Smith was not aware that the two clubs were in talks and only found out on Wednesday. [LNB]Smith was signed from Manchester United for £6 million 18 months ago, but has failed to make much of an impact after suffering an ankle injury. [LNB]The 28-year-old has spent the last three months trying to get fit, after undergoing an ankle ligament operation, and feels betrayed that, with full fitness approaching, he is now being sold. [LNB]Smith does not want to leave St James' Park but has reportedly been told that he will not play for the club again if he does not accept the move. [LNB]Meanwhile, a report in the Mirror claims Newcastle are trying to hijack Blackburn's bid to sign Marseille defender Gael Givet. [LNB]Givet has been invited to join Rovers on trial, and Marseille will allow him to go on loan with a view to making it permanent. [LNB]However, Newcastle have been keeping tabs on Givet themselves and are prepared to take on the 27-year-old without giving him a trial first. [LNB]

Source: Telegraph