Newcastle may be keen on Robbie in exchange deal for Jenas

NEWCASTLE could be tempted by the bait of Robbie Keane if Tottenham propose a part-exchange deal for Jermaine Jenas.

The Magpies have so far ruled out selling their 22-year-old England midfielder, who yesterday saw his controversial red card at Arsenal reduced to a yellow.

Jenas has been the subject of speculation that Tottenham and Arsenal both want to bring him to north London. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out making an approach, but Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is expecting an approach from Tottenham, with suggestions that €7.3 million plus Keane could be tabled.

Newcastle’s search for an experienced strike partner for Alan Shearer has so far produced no tangible results for boss Graeme Souness. With Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert having departed this summer, Newcastle have targeted Nicolas Anelka, Luis Boa Morte and Michael Owen, but they have yet to strengthen in attack.

Keane, 25, has also been touted as a potential recruit and he could be dispensable, with Jermain Defoe, Mido and Fredi Kanoute also competing for places in Martin Jol’s forward line.

Newcastle were encouraged by their performance at Arsenal on Sunday, with the 2-0 scoreline considered harsh.

The dismissal of Jenas after 32 minutes left Newcastle one man down, but they held out until nine minutes from time. The retraction of the red card was scant consolation for the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard would like Michael Owen to return to Anfield. The European champions are believed to be trying to organise a loan deal for the Real Madrid striker who left the club last summer in a €16m move.

Owen has been the subject of transfer speculation for weeks and Gerrard and England colleague Jamie Carragher have both let it be known they would favour his return.

The Anfield skipper said: “It goes without saying I would love Michael Owen back here and I think everyone at the club would love him back. Obviously it’s up to Real Madrid. He’s their player and they will decide if he can go, but when I see Michael in the England squad this week I won’t even have to ask him where he’d like to be in a few weeks.”

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted at the weekend that he could not dismiss speculation of Owen’s return but has consistently made the point that he needs a new centre-half and a right winger to bolster his squad before he will look seriously at the Owen option.

It is believed that Milan Baros is on the verge of moving to Aston Villa for a fee of around €10m and that money would allow Benitez to sign the two players he needs.

Liverpool would then have to wait for Champions League revenue to fund a deal for Owen. However, it has been suggested that he could return to Anfield on a year loan with a view to a fee being paid next summer.