Former England defender Sol Campbell has been told that he no longer has a future at Newcastle United, just five months after signing for the club. The 35-year old has not been the first choice centre half but has filled in when the likes of Taylor, Coloccini and Williamson have been missing due to injury or suspension. Alan Pardew has already started scouting the market for Campbell’s replacement.
Pardew also confirmed Newcastle’s interest in Algeria’s attacking midfielder Karim Ziani. Ziani has been surplus to requirements at Wolfsburg and has said in the past that he would fancy a move to the Premier League. He would be available at a knock-down price of £2 million – less than one fourth of what the Germans paid Marseille when they signed him 18 months ago. Newcastle could face competition from Premier League clubs Everton and Birmingham. AS Monaco and VFB Stuttgart have also been interested in him in the past.
Pardew is also exploring the possibility of bringing Robbie Keane to St.James’ Park, but the £5m price-tag put on him by Tottenham could dissuade Pardew to bid. Newcastle are in a need of a strong striker as their champion forward Andy Caroll is expected to be out for a month due to injury.
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