Source: Telegraph
Newcastle bid £5m for Rennes' Stephane Mbia and track Lucas Neill
Kinnear is now awaiting news of the club's firm offer for 22-year-old Cameroon international Mbia, and developments with Australian Neill as Newcastle attempt to cover for the loss of Habib Beye to an ankle injury. [LNB]He said: "We have put a bid in writing for Stephane Mbia and we are waiting to hear from his club. [LNB] "We have put a bid in of £5 million and we are waiting to see what the outcome of that is." [LNB]Asked about Neill, he added: "We have spoken to his agent and it is ongoing at the moment, we are just waiting to see. We could get an answer at any time." [LNB]Kinnear has previously claimed the club had made two £4 million offers for unnamed players. [LNB]With his interest in Toulouse defender Albin Ebondo having apparently cooled, it is understood St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis could now be in his sights. [LNB]Kinnear, meanwhile, could face further disciplinary action from the FA after a touchline bust-up with Hull's Phil Brown. [LNB]The incident was sparked by a lunging tackle by Fabricio Coloccini on Hull striker Daniel Cousin that brought a booking by referee Phil Dowd. That decision was applauded by Brown who then issued an expletive-laden rant at Newcastle assistant Chris Hughton. [LNB]Kinnear then charged out of his technical area towards Brown and the duo went head-to-head in front of the fourth official before Dowd intervened. Both managers were sent to the stands.[LNB]"I don't know why I was sent off," said Kinnear who insisted there had been no physical contact. "We just exchanged words. Nothing else. I'm bemused. It was a harsh decision. He came across and had plenty to say and I answered him. [LNB]"He was having a rant at Chris. He wasn't saying too many things to him. I said 'Enough. Cool it.' I told Chris to sit down and then the ref came over. I don't know whether my reputation precedes me but if you look at the tape you will see all I did was stand my ground. I was sticking up for Chris." [LNB]For his part, Brown added: "Unfortunately, me and Joe came together and we just got stuck in the stands by Phil Dowd. We will just have to see what happens. I was contesting the fact that every time the ball came to Danny Cousin their centre-half came through the back of him."[LNB]
