Magpies hold Kluivert talks

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd was today locked in talks with Patrick Kluivert’s agent.

Within hours of returning from the club’s Far East tour, Shepherd met Paul Foortse, who jetted into Tyneside this morning to discuss a year-long loan deal with the prospect of a permanent transfer next summer.

As Foortse touched down in the north-east after holding initial talks at St James’ Park last week, long-serving midfielder Gary Speed was thrashing out the terms of a two-year contract at Bolton after the two clubs agreed what is believed to be a £750,000 (€1.1m) transfer.

Speed’s departure could open the door for the Magpies to make a formal approach for Manchester United’s Nicky Butt, although it is understood that the much-vaunted swoop is by no means a foregone conclusion as the United hierarchy consider their options.

Indeed, the Red Devils today confirmed that the player will be among the party which jets out on the club’s pre-season trip to America tomorrow.

Newcastle were maintaining a silence over their dealings other than to confirm that they had accepted an offer from Bolton for Speed.

Shepherd said: “It’s always difficult to let a player like Gary go. He is one of the best of the best as a player.

“He is totally professional and he always gave 100%. He has had a fabulous career here and he is one of my favourite players.

“I want to give him the accolade he deserves. He and Alan Shearer are the finest role models on and off the pitch that you can get in football.

“Bolton has acquired a very fine player and he will do well for them. I wish him all the luck, happiness and contentment in the world and wish him all the best for his future.”

Speed, 35 in September, had a year left on his United contract and had set his sights on earning an extension.

The Kluivert situation could be resolved within days with Barcelona agreeing to pay a proportion of his wages for the remaining 12 months of his contract after telling him he could leave at the end of last season.

That will suit United, who have insisted they will not shatter their pay structure to accommodate the Dutchman despite their need to find a man to replace Shearer when he retires at the end of the new season.

Southampton’s James Beattie has made no secret of his desire to be given a chance to prove that he is that man, although the Saints’ asking price - reportedly around £10m (€14.9m) – is prohibitive.

Any successful move for Kluivert would leave Robson with the intriguing prospect of trying to fit the former Ajax and AC Milan striker, Shearer and Craig Bellamy into his plans with Shola Ameobi waiting in the wings.

It would also provide the newcomer with a chance to prove his ability again after a difficult end to his career at the Nou Camp.

There is little doubting the player’s quality; he scored more than 100 goals during almost six years in Spain, but his relationship with the fans soured in the latter stages as his lifestyle once again came in for some criticism.

He went to Euro 2004 with Holland but sat out the tournament on the bench as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andy van der Meyde, Arjen Robben, Roy Makaay and Pierre van Hooijdonk were all preferred in attacking roles by manager Dick Advocaat.

Should he complete a move to Tyneside, Shepherd, Robson and the club’s fans will hope he can rediscover the form which they saw to their own cost in the Champions League two seasons ago when he turned in a masterful display at St James’, scoring in a 2-0 victory for Barca.

Meanwhile, Speed’s imminent departure leaves a vacancy in the midfield holding role which seems tailor-made for Butt, and there has been an expectation at Old Trafford that an approach will be made.

The 29-year-old has struggled to command a regular place in Alex Ferguson’s plans and his form dipped alarmingly at the end of last season when he did get his chance.

Birmingham and Middlesbrough among others have expressed their interest in the England international, but he is understood to favour a move to Tyneside.