Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies set sights on duo

15 Jan 2009 - 15:29:23

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Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear has confirmed he has made a £5million offer for Rennes midfielder Stephane M'bia.

M'bia, 30, was linked with a move to Everton before the transfer window opened, but Kinnear is keen to lure the Cameroon international to St James' Park.

However, Newcastle may struggle to attract the 22-year-old midfielder as he claimed last week that he turned down a move to the Toffees as he was being targeted by an unnamed but leading Italian club.

"We have put a bid in writing for Stephane Mbia and we are waiting to hear from his club," revealed the Magpies boss.

"We have put a bid in of £5million and we are waiting to see what the outcome of that is."

Meanwhile, Kinnear has also revealed that he has made an approach to West Ham United for Lucas Neill.

The Australia international would help fill he void created by a long-term injury to regular right-back Habib Beye.

"We have spoken to his agent and it is ongoing at the moment, we are just waiting to see," he added.

"We could get an answer at any time."