Keegan bid to lure Lazio star

Jan 24 2008 by Paul Gilder, The Journal

KEVIN Keegan has turned his sights to Serie A after the Lazio striker Goran Pandev insisted that Newcastle have tabled a bid in an attempt to secure his services.

But an ambitious manager is not neglecting events on the home front and, having approved Sam Allardyce’s plan to lure Jonathan Woodgate back to St James’s Park, the United boss is preparing to firm up his interest in the unsettled Middlesbrough defender.

Gareth Southgate is determined to keep the 28-year-old on Teesside, although The Journal understands Boro’s resolve could be tested should an £8m offer be submitted. That he has got Mike Ashley’s millions behind him means the asking price is well within Keegan’s budget, although Magpies officials will have to dig a little deeper to strike a deal for Pandev.

The Macedonian’s club are determined to maximise his transfer fee and rate him in the £11m bracket. That Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Valencia are also chasing the 24-year-old’s signature could prompt a price hike. “This morning, the people from the club (Lazio) told me about the offer from Newcastle,” explained a player able to operate as an out-and-out striker or as an attacking midfielder. “The club (Newcastle) want the negotiations to start soon. But I don’t know anything about the figures or a possible fee. I’m used to these offers. But I don’t decide, it isn’t up to me.” Pandev’s representatives have met Lazio officials in recent days and, although the former Inter Milan prospect agreed to remain in Rome for the time being, the Biancocelesti’s financial situation could still necessitate his sale.

The attacker has scored eight times in 16 Serie A appearances this season, and is understood to be keen to test his talents in the Premier League. That Manchester City’s Rolando Bianchi has agreed a loan move to the Stadio Olimpico means Pandev’s replacement is in place and that Newcastle’s need for haste could be accommodated. Keegan needs to act fast as he attempts to beat the transfer deadline and, with Blackburn remaining adamant that David Bentley’s long-term future is at Ewood Park, an approach for Woodgate will be made with confidence.

No bid has been submitted as yet, although sources close to the England stopper last night indicated Woodgate is aware United are keen to sign him for a second time. Having joined Newcastle from Leeds for £9m five years ago, the defender spent 18 months at St James’s

Park before joining Real Madrid in a £13.4m transfer. He remains a popular figure at St James’s Park.

Southgate recruited Woodgate on a season-long loan deal in 2006 before completing his permanent signing for £7m last summer. Boro are not looking to sell the Teessider. But The Journal understands a significant offer will be considered.

Newcastle could offer Shola Ameobi, a Middlesbrough target last summer, as a sweetener should Keegan feel Pandev’s capture can be completed in time. David Wheater’s emergence means Southgate has defensive options and should he believe that sanctioning Woodgate’s sale would help him to keep Tottenham target Stewart Downing, he might be persuaded.

Keegan awarded Woodgate his first England cap and although it was Allardyce who first flagged up the defender as a prospective signing this month, his successor has given United officials the green light to continue their efforts to sign him.

But David Beckham does not appear bound to join his former Bernabeu team-mate in the North-East after Alexi Lalas, LA Galaxy’s president, insisted the midfielder’s long-term future remains in the United States. “There has been no contact from Newcastle United and there is no truth in the speculation,” he said last night “David is not for sale at any price and he’ll not be joining another club on loan.”

Keegan and Chris Mort, United’s chairman, are working through a long list and, having identified Pascal Chimbonda as another potential signing, Tottenham’s continuing interest in Alan Hutton will offer encouragement.

The Rangers right-back is expected to move to London and sources in the capital last night insisted that Juande Ramos has told Chimbonda that, should Hutton join Spurs, he will be surplus to requirements.

Dundee United’s captain Barry Robson remains an option, although Newcastle are not alone in pursuing the midfielder. Birmingham have enquired and Tannadice officials have rejected ambitious offers from Nottingham Forest and Burnley.

“There are a whole stack of people watching him,” said chairman Eddie Thompson last night.

“But (manager) Craig (Levein) and I want to keep him.”