Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill confiirms Harewood loan
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed Marlon Harewood is close to joining Newcastle on loan.
As revealed by skysports.com earlier this month, Newcastle have agreed a three-month loan deal with Villa to take Harewood to St James' Park.
O'Neill is happy to let Harewood go out on loan as he is currently fifth-choice striker at Villa Park behind Gabriel Agbonlahor, John Carew, Emile Heskey and Nathan Delfouneso.
Former West Ham man Harewood has just returned from injury and O'Neill feels he would benefit from more regular first-team football at Newcastle.
"Newcastle are still looking to do something in terms of Marlon," said O'Neill.
"I think they are waiting to hear whether they have permission from their owner to go and progress the move.
"I think the opportunity for him now coming back from injury, to get involved in a cause, would be very important and only a benefit for all of us.
"Marlon has been out since pre-season with injuries. He is fighting back, is feeling fine, trained for a few days on the trot.
"But people are pressing for places and at this moment we have competition up front. Delfouneso is going to be a really excellent player and he is hovering around in terms of being on the bench."
