Magpies braced for hectic week of transfers

Newcastle were today bracing themselves for a flurry of transfer activity as the January window entered its final week.

As speculation mounted over keeper Shay Given’s future on Tyneside, as well as that of midfielder Charles N’Zogbia and Joey Barton, the Magpies were closing in on at least one of their own targets.

The Magpies are hoping to complete a move for Toulouse full-back Albin Ebondo within the next 24 hours.

Their interest in the 24-year-old first emerged earlier this month when it was also confirmed that they were looking at Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.

Manager Joe Kinnear later claimed the club had tabled a £5m bid for the 22-year-old Cameroon international, although that is understood to have been rejected.

Kinnear said: “Talks have been going very well regarding Albin and we are working hard to make sure he comes to Newcastle.”

Newcastle last week added Denmark international Peter Lovenkrands to the squad until the end of the season, but they need several more new faces if they are to strengthen the areas of the squad in which they have little or no cover.

Kinnear has already found a new recruit for his coaching team after securing the services of former Northampton and Nottingham Forest manager Colin Calderwood until the end of the current campaign.

The 44-year-old Scotsman was at the club’s training headquarters today working alongside number two Chris Hughton as the Magpies prepared for Wednesday night’s trip to Manchester City.

Kinnear said: “We have Colin Calderwood on board now and he will be joining us until the end of the season to bring something else to our backroom team.”

However, while efforts continue behind the scenes to find new recruits, the possibility of departures is equally exercising the minds of the club’s hierarchy.

City’s interest in 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international Given is well known and ongoing, and it is understood his future could be thrashed out at a meeting with managing director Derek Llambias and Kinnear insisde the next 24 hours.

Given, whose dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs at St James’ Park was made graphically clear by solicitor Michael Kennedy earlier this month, has spent more than 11 years on Tyneside and despite a series of near-misses, is yet to collect a winner’s medal.

It is a measure of the level to which the club’s fortunes have sunk in recent times that one of its most loyal employees could be ready, albeit reluctantly, to jump ship, and while no supporter would begrudge him his move, the fact the Magpies are struggling to keep him is a cause for serious concern.

As the speculation mounts, Newcastle have stepped up efforts to persuade deputy Steve Harper, 33, to sign the contract he was first offered last month.

Harper, a fine keeper in his own right with Champions League and FA Cup final experience under his belt, has spent much of the last decade acting as Given’s understudy, but the chance to establish himself as number one on a new three-year deal could tip the balance.

Barton is wanted by Portsmouth and although owner Mike Ashley would happily have offloaded the midfielder following his jail sentence for assault and affray last year, it is understood the 26-year-old is keen to stay.

N’Zogbia’s position is less clear with the 22-year-old Frenchman, who was last week involved in a training ground bust-up with striker Andy Carroll, having repeatedly agitated for a move away.

However, despite being linked with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Lyon, no bid matching Newcastle’s valuation has been received.

Meanwhile, Denmark legend Brian Laudrup is confident 28-year-old Schalke misfit Lovenkrands will make his mark on Tyneside.

Laudrup said: “He’s had a very tough time at Schalke and nobody can deny that, but he’s got the chance to prove himself at a new club now.

“I know he is desperate to play in the World Cup next year, and the fact he is still under serious consideration from the national team underlines the ability we all feel he still has.”