Source: Northern_Echo
Newcastle back in the running for Boyd
RANGERS believe Newcastle United have re-entered the race to sign striker Kris Boyd after Birmingham City turned their attentions elsewhere.[LNB] Boyd has been courted by City all summer and had expected to move to St Andrew's when his contract at Ibrox expires at the end of June.[LNB] But Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is attempting to follow up the £6m signing of Nikola Zigic by beating Wolves to the £7m capture of Burnley's Steven Fletcher, which would signal the end of his interest in Boyd.[LNB] A fortnight ago Newcastle had unofficially discounted making a move for Boyd, but towards the end of last week sources close to the player suggested Newcastle are in the market for him again.[LNB] Rangers accept the Scottish Premier League's all-time record goalscorer will be leaving this summer after failing to agree a new contract.[LNB] The Scottish champions could not offer more than £20,000-a-week.[LNB] While a number of Turkish clubs are prepared to offer him at least double that, the Scotland forward is said to be excited by the chance to play for Newcastle.[LNB] Boyd held talks with Kayserispor's former Rangers manager Shota Arveladze, who is trying to remain bullish about pulling off the deal ahead of Premier League competition.[LNB] Arveladze said: I have had conversations with Kris and we will talk some more. I'm hopeful he will decide to come here but I know he has other options.[LNB] I really want him to join me. I've made this a priority and hope the personal touch I've added to the move will work in my favour.'' Kayserispor are not the only Turkish club interested, with Ankaragucu and Bursaspor also linked. Blackburn and Wolves have also been monitoring his situation.[LNB] Another of Newcastle's targets, meanwhile, is attracting attention from across the country including Wearside.[LNB] Manchester City's Dedryck Boyata, a 19-year-old defender, is wanted by Hughton on loan. Sunderland are also thought to be interested in taking the player on a shortterm arrangement, if City agree to let the Belgian go out on loan.[LNB]
