Magpies in Kluivert talks

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with the representatives of Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, according to Sky Sports News.

He is one of four Holland internationals – Phillip Cocu, Marc Overmars and Michael Reiziger are the others – who have been told they are surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.

And Kluivert has made no secret of the fact that his preferred option would be to play in the Premiership.

Kluivert, 28, who has a year left on his contract, was plagued by injuries last season and found himself on the bench throughout Holland’s Euro 2004 campaign and is now ready to resolve his future at club level.

On May 27 Kluivert said: “I have always said that England is one of my preferred countries and that I want to play there. There are enough clubs but nothing concrete.”