Magpies' bid for Victor Moses turned down by Palace

Jan 29 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“Lots of teams have watched him but it’s whether they’re prepared to go the next step and put money on the table like some of the clubs have done.”

Intriguingly, Moses was offered to Sunderland by the Palace directors a fortnight ago but Steve Bruce believes it is a year too early for the striker to make the jump into the Premier League.

Chris Hughton recognises that Moses – a quick and physical player who can also fill in at left-wing – would fulfil the transfer blueprint that United are working to. At 19 he has huge potential re-sale value and can fit in a few positions, adding strength-in-depth to a squad that would be left exposed by injuries to key players.

United will be wary of getting into a bidding war with megabucks City, who will be able to trump any offer they make. Ashley pulled the club out of the race for Jermaine Beckford at the £1.8million mark, some way short of the cash Palace want for Moses. Hughton is happy with his transfer business so far but wants two more new faces in before Monday afternoon’s deadline – a centre-back and a striker.

United were reported to be close to signing 25-year-old Honduras left-back Osman Chavez, who currently plays in his homeland for Platense.

There were claims he had been in the North East for a medical – but Chris Hughton yesterday denied that a move for the player was imminent. However, Platense president Eduardo Ramos insisted: “Newcastle have been interested in Osman for some time and he is keen to play in England.” Meanwhile, Newcastle completed a permanent deal for Mike Williamson yesterday, with the former Watford man inking a three-and-a-half-year deal at St James’ Park. He had been signed on an emergency loan in order to play against Palace.

“I’m delighted to get my move all sorted now and I just can’t wait for the next game at Leicester City,” Williamson said.

“My debut was a special occasion and it couldn’t have gone any better. I’m immensely proud to be a Newcastle player and this is a very exciting challenge for me.”

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