Geordies bid to bring in Rivaldo

Samba fever is sweeping Tyneside this afternoon as news of Newcastle’s audacious bid to bring Brazilian World Cup star Rivaldo to the FA Barclaycard Premiership spread.

United were saying nothing about their prospective move as it emerged in Spain there has been contact with the 30-year-old striker’s club Barcelona over a potential £10m (€16m) transfer.