Source: Daily_Mail
Full-back Ebondo first in with Toon geared towards busy final week
On the radar: Newcastle have confirmed their interest in Rennes' Cameroon international Stephane Mbia
Their interest in the 24-year-old first emerged earlier this month when it was also confirmed that they were looking at Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.
Manager Joe Kinnear later claimed the club had tabled a£5million bid for the 22-year-old Cameroon international, although that is understood to have been rejected.
Kinnear said: 'Talks have been going very well regarding Albin and we are working hard to make sure he comes to Newcastle.'
Newcastle last week added Denmark international Peter Lovenkrands to the squad until the end of the season, but they need several more new faces if they are to strengthen the areas of the squad in which they have little or no cover.
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Ex-Forest boss Calderwood joins Newcastle's coaching staff until the end of the season
New deal for Harper clears Given's Newcastle exit path to City
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Kinnear has already found a new recruit for his coaching team after securing the services of former Northampton and Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood until the end of the current campaign.
The 44-year-old Scotsman was at the club's training headquarters today working alongside number two Chris Hughton as the Magpies prepared for Wednesday night's trip to Manchester City.
Helping hand: Colin Calderwood joins the Magpies backroom staff until the end of the season
Kinnear said: 'We have Colin Calderwood on board now and he will be joining us until the end of the season to bring something else to our backroom team.'
However, while efforts continue behind the scenes to find new recruits, the possibility of departures is equally exercising the minds of the club's hierarchy.
City's interest in 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international Given is well known and ongoing, and it is understood his future could be thrashed out at a meeting with managing director Derek Llambias and Kinnear insisde the next 24 hours.
Given has spent more than 11 years on Tyneside and despite a series of near-misses, is yet to collect a winner's medal.
As the speculation mounts, Newcastle have stepped up efforts to persuade deputy Steve Harper, 33, to sign the contract he was first offered last month.
Harper has spent much of the last decade acting as Given's understudy, but the chance to establish himself as number one on a new three-year deal could tip the balance.
Barton is wanted by Portsmouth manager Tony Adams in a£4million deal, although it is understood the 26-year-old midfielder is keen to stay in a bid to prove his worth.
Staying power: Troubled midfielder Joey Barton is determined to prove his value to Newcastle and snub a move to Premier League rivals Portsmouth
N'Zogbia's position is less clear, however, with the 22-year-old Frenchman, who was last week involved in a training ground bust-up with striker Andy Carroll.
However, despite being linked with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Lyon, no bid matching Newcastle's valuation has been received.
Meanwhile, Denmark legend Brian Laudrup is confident 28-year-old former Rangers frontman Lovenkrands will make his mark on Tyneside.
Laudrup said: 'He's had a very tough time at Schalke and nobody can deny that, but he's got the chance to prove himself at a new club now.
'I know he's desperate to play in the World Cup next year, and the fact he is still under serious consideration for the national team underlines the ability we know he still has.'
More...
Ex-Forest boss Calderwood joins Newcastle's coaching staff until the end of the season
New deal for Harper clears Given's Newcastle exit path to City
NEWCASTLE UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB
