Bellamy no closer to St James’ Park exit

Damian Spellman

Both Everton and Celtic have been given permission to talk to the 25-year-old Welshman with Aston Villa also making a concerted effort to lure him to the midlands and Blackburn maintaining an interest.

Villa boss David O'Leary is due back from his summer break today and will attempt to persuade Bellamy that his salvation lies in Birmingham, while it is understood he has some misgivings about the Everton option after his talks with David Moyes.