Marseille move for Boumsong

[Shearergol 0]

Let's put him out on loan, not like we need the money for strengthening is it.

 

Maybe we could pay half his wages too.

[Scottish Mag 3]

Marseille have stepped up their bid to sign Jean-Alain Boumsong, with officials at the Stade Velodrome confident they can soon land the Newcastle defender on a season-long loan deal.

 

And with Amdy Faye expected to seal his protracted transfer to Charlton this morning, it is expected the two least-successful signings of the Graeme Souness era are poised to end their unhappy associations with the club.

 

Glenn Roeder and his side will travel to Latvia this morning to prepare for Thursday's Uefa Cup second qualifying round encounter with FK Ventspils in Riga and, with the club leading the chase for Boumsong's signature still involved in the competition, it remains to be seen if the Frenchman will be involved at the Skonto Stadium.

 

Should the 26-year-old become cup-tied it would reduce United's chances of finding him alternative employment this season. And with Marseille making encouraging noises, it is a situation the Magpies are likely to avoid.

 

"The player wants to come here and we want him too," said Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo, who is determined to strike a deal for Boumsong, having failed to lure the Portsmouth-bound Sol Campbell to the Mediterranean port club.

 

"His (personal) terms are quite high but we have just opened talks with his club and his agents and there could be an opportunity for us to get him on loan. Jean-Alain Boumsong is our most serious option for a new defender. We have been following Sol Campbell's situation but that appears to have ended."

 

Campbell - whose situation has been monitored closely from within St James's Park since he left Arsenal this summer - was last night having a medical at Fratton Park and a deal is understood to be imminent. It is a development that will increase Marseille's resolve to land Boumsong.

 

Although United officials would prefer to strike a permanent deal, a loan proposal will be given consideration. Monaco have failed to sign the defender on a temporary basis, although the rejection was more to do with their request that the Magpies continue to pay 50% of the player's wages rather than Newcastle's reluctance to sanction a loan transfer.

 

Lens are reported to have joined Monaco and Juventus in courting Boumsong, although Marseille believe they will prevail. Having slipped to fourth choice in the United pecking order behind Craig Moore, Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor, a deal would suit both the player and his club.

 

Moving Boumsong out would help Roeder to strengthen a defence that showed characteristic weakness during Saturday's 3-3 friendly draw at home to Villareal.

 

The Newcastle manager travelled to Holland on a scouting mission at the weekend and sources in the Netherlands last night insisted that AZ Alkmaar's Tim de Cler has emerged as a target. The 27-year-old former Ajax left-back is also attracting interest from Feyenoord.

 

Roeder will hope Faye's move to Charlton will be completed today after the Senegalese international was granted permission to open talks at The Valley. The two clubs have agreed a fee and Faye spent yesterday in South London discussing personal terms with Addicks officials.

 

Charlton's players will travel to Belgium this morning to prepare for their latest pre-season friendly against Germinal Beerschot in Antwerp. It is hoped Iain Dowie can complete the deal before departing, bringing to an end an undistinguished 18-month spell in the North-East for the combative African.

 

Should the transfer go through as planned, it would clear the way for United to move for Thomas Gravesen. Roeder has confirmed his interest in the Danish international, who has been told he is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid.

[curry stained pilchard 0]

The only problem with loaning out Boobsong is that after a year they will see how shit he is and not want to buy him. If he does go out on loan, in his first match he'll come on as a sub in the 62nd minute, then he'll be subbed in the 72nd minute, and not play for that club again. George Weah's cousin et al*...

 

 

 

 

 

 

*aplogies for using an "Oliver"

[Guest alex]

I reckon he'll be ok again back in France. I think his main problem is he isn't physical enough to play here. Would rather we flogged him than loaned him out though, obviously.

[Guest Psyrinix]

aye, he will do canny in France, the grass isnt slippy owa there.