Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle target Craig Gardner ready to leave Birmingham
ShareCraig Gardner has opened the door to a move to Newcastle after the Birmingham midfielder admitted he is unsure where his future lies after the departure of manager Alex McLeish.Gardner was Birmingham's top scorer with 10 goals in his first full season at St. Andrew's following his ?3million move from Aston Villa.But lifelong City fan Gardner is now being linked with a ?5million move to St James' Park with Sunderland also highly interested. Middle man: Newcastle are closing in on Birmingham midfielder Craig GardnerWhen asked if he is leaving or staying at Blues, Gardner said: 'I don't know. It's a difficult one.'I'm unsure exactly what is happening behind the scenes and what the board are thinking.'Where are we going, what are we planning to do? I don't know.'At the end of the day, like every player, you have to think of your career. Everything is up in the air at the moment.'Gardner admits McLeish, who looks set to move to Villa as Gerard Houllier's successor, has been a massive influence. On his way: Gardner admits his future at Birmingham is uncertainHe said: 'For me, Alex McLeish was great. He showed a lot of faith in me, signing me from Villa, and my career moved forward from there.'It's a sad loss for Birmingham and it's not a good start to the summer.'The club needs to bring in a manager with the kind of credentials and experience Alex McLeish has. Someone like that would fit the bill.' Newcastle close in on Barnetta with Pardew set to pip Sunderland to Gardner'Bluenose scum not welcome!' Villa fans' backlash against McLeish hits new heightsEXCLUSIVE: Gardner set to join Birmingham exodus after ?5m Sunderland bidAll the latest Birmingham news, features and opinionAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Craig Gardner, Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish Places: Birmingham, Newcastle