Marlon Harewood attracts outside interest

Dec 18 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

A TRIO of Championship clubs have inquired about Marlon Harewood as Chris Hughton continues to make the striker sweat over his Newcastle United future.

Having recovered his form and fitness after a slow start at St James’ Park, Harewood is desperate to remain at United for the duration of the season but Hughton has been reticent to offer the forward assurances either in public or private over his long-term future.

That situation has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the division with United’s Championship rivals Sheffield United, Cardiff City and Roy Keane’s Ipswich Town all interested in the Aston Villa striker if Hughton decides to look elsewhere.

Queens Park Rangers were also keeping tabs on Harewood (pictured below) but Jim Magilton’s exit and Paul Hart’s subsequent appointment may have changed priorities at Loftus Road.

It is clear that the forward would prefer to stay on Tyneside but United are content to let his loan spell run “to the wire” before making a decision. As things stand, his last game in black and white will be the Boxing Day trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

Harewood’s agent Phil Sproson told The Journal the 30-year-old is keen to “finish what he’s started” and clinch promotion but admitted the club are giving nothing away about their January intentions.

“Marlon has settled in extremely well and gets on very well with the other players,” he said.

“He feels part of it and we hope that something can be sorted, either on a permanent basis or until the end of the season. I know he would like to stay and it would be a real shame if he wasn’t able to finish the job.

“He is happy at Newcastle and although it took him a while to get back to the level he wants to be at his form and fitness have recovered and he’s enjoying his football again.”

Three of Harewood’s four goals since joining United have come in his last four games and the competition for striking berths appears to have brought out the best in him.