Source: Northern_Echo
Reynolds the reason for scouting trip
NEWCASTLE UNITED manager Chris Hughton has joined the growing list of admirers in Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds.[LNB] Hughton travelled to Scotland on Tuesday night to watch the centre-back after receiving glowing reports about his potential.[LNB] And after witnessing Reynolds help to keep the Motherwell defence's ninth clean sheet from 11 matches in the Scottish Premier League against St Mirren, Hughton will monitor the player's continued progress.[LNB] Fulham and Blackburn are also keen on the Scotland Under-21 international, while Rangers could offer him the chance to stay in Scotland and PSV Eindhoven have also shown an interest.[LNB] I don't know about the Dutch but I know of interest from England because I've spoken to one or two managers who have asked me about him, said Motherwell boss Craig Brown. I can only give him the highest possible praise he is outstanding.[LNB] Rangers' had a £750,000 offer turned down in the summer of 2008, but Brown accepts he would have to sell if an offer of around £800,000 arrives in the summer.[LNB] Hughton's remit for incoming transfers is young players with plenty of potential.[LNB] Reynolds fits the bill and the Newcastle boss has also been assessing other targets north of the border including Livingston's 18-year-old winger Andy Halliday, who is also wanted by Middlesbrough.[LNB] With 12 matches remaining in the Championship, Newcastle are on course for an immediate return to the topflight.[LNB] Hughton has spoken of his satisfaction with the size of his squad at this stage, although if it emerges that Jose Enrique's injury is worse than initially thought then that could change his thinking.[LNB] Enrique is due to return to training today after being forced to withdraw on his return to action in the win over Barnsley last weekend, with Tamas Kadar standing by to fill in at Middlesbrough on Saturday.[LNB] Hughton could still return to Chelsea and ask to take Patrick van Aanholt on loan for a second time, but primarily he hopes to have Enrique available for the run-in.[LNB] He will resist the temptation to blood one of his Academy left-backs at such a critical stage of the season, although Hughton has been impressed by the club's progress to the FA Youth Cup semi-final.[LNB] The Magpies' youngsters face Aston Villa in the last four later this month.[LNB]
