Magpies slap £25m price tag on Dyer

NEWCASTLE have slapped a £25m price tag on England midfielder Kieron Dyer amid speculation that Chelsea and Manchester United are ready to test the water.

Reports over the weekend claimed that the Blues' billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a move for Dyer or team-mate Jermaine Jenas, and with Alex Ferguson looking to replace David Beckham, the Magpies are bracing themselves.

It is understood that the Magpies have little intention of selling Dyer and none at all of allowing any club to prise Jenas, a £5m signing from Nottingham Forest as an 18-year-old, from their grasp. However, in the current climate, every player has his price, and if either Chelsea or the Premiership champions even want to get to the point of talking to Dyer, they will have to start at £25m.