Magpies keeping tabs on Reynolds

Mar 11 2010 by Steve Brown, The Journal

NEWCASTLE are monitoring Motherwell centre-back Mark Reynolds, The Journal understands.

United boss Chris Hughton was at the SPL outfit’s goalless draw at St Mirren on Tuesday night, when reports claimed his watching brief was on keeper John Ruddy, on loan at Fir Park from Everton.

However, with Steve Harper, Tim Krul, Fraser Forster and Ole Soderberg, the Magpies are well-stocked in that area, and it is believed Hughton was instead running the rule over 22-year-old Reynolds.

The Scottish Under-21 international’s presence in the Motherwell side has seen it concede just two goals in 11 league games and, with manager Craig Brown acknowledging interest from elsewhere, Reynolds has already been linked with Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven.

Now it seems Newcastle – who are also understood to be tracking Livingston midfielder Andy Halliday – have joined the list of admirers of a player under contract until May 2011 and subject of a £750,000 bid from Rangers during the summer of 2008.

Motherwell rejected that offer out of hand, but Brown accepts Reynolds’ departure now appears simply a matter of time. “I don’t know about the Dutch but I know of interest from England because I’ve spoken to one or two managers who have asked me about him,” said Brown.

“I can only give him the highest possible praise – he is outstanding. He deserves a successful career at the top level.

“To go to England, the finance is totally different and it would be a good move for him.