Source: Northern_Echo
Mowbray ready to move for Kilgallon
CELTIC are attempting to derail Newcastle United's hopes of landing Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon in January for a knockdown fee.[LNB] Bhoys boss Tony Mowbray has been a long-time admirer of the centre-back having him watched on numerous occasions.[LNB] With the Blades forced to lower their valuation for a player they rated in the £4m bracket last summer, Mowbray wants to solve his defensive problems by securing the 25-year-old.[LNB] Newcastle remain favourites to secure Kilgallon's signature, but Celtic have been encouraged to make another move after learning of his drop in value.[LNB] Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell admitted over the weekend that the player will be leaving Bramall Lane, despite his chairman's insistence a deal will only be concluded at the right price.[LNB] That has alerted Celtic with Sheffield United likely to listen to offers for as little as £1m.[LNB] Mowbray is in a position to pay the fee with Mark Wilson and Gary Caldwell among those likely to move on in January Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan is monitoring both Celtic players.[LNB] Kilgallon will be free to leave for nothing when his contract expires in the summer and, with his former club Leeds due a hefty slice of any fee over £1m, the Blades board are ready to accept significantly less than his true value.[LNB] Newcastle are believed to have held preliminary talks and a more formal approach will be made next month.[LNB] Kilgallon is not against the idea of a move to Celtic, where his wage demands of around £25,000 could be met.[LNB] In the past Celtic have not been able to compete with the likes of Newcastle on wages, but times have changed following the Magpies' drop into the Championship.[LNB] Mowbray is more determined to add defensive reinforcements after witnessing Celtic's horror show in the defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday, when he was also impressed with Hearts' Jose Goncalves.[LNB] Newcastle manager Chris Hughton, preparing for Boxing Day's trip to Sheffield Wednesday, has been working away on potential transfer deals for weeks and Kilgallon has been his primary target.[LNB] There has also been contact with Celtic's Old Firm rivals Rangers over the availability of striker Kris Boyd, although Hughton must decide whether or not to extend Marlon Harewood's loan from Aston Villa first.[LNB] The Newcastle boss has been told he can strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens, but he is reluctant to make new additions if he feels they will spend much of the time on the bench.[LNB] Hughton is also expecting interest in his players from Premier league clubs following Newcastle's exceptional start to life in the Championship, with Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll the most sought after.[LNB] It was also claimed yesterday that Hull City manager Phil Brown is weighing up a move for Nicky Butt.[LNB]
