Magpies in talks for Smith

**funkdoctorspock** · **Magpies in talks for Smith -** 08-02-2007, 09:04 AM

Some interesting news on the Smith departure.

Quote:

Newcastle United are holding talks with Manchester United striker Alan Smith after agreeing a fee with The Red Devils.

The former Leeds United forward has fallen down the pecking order under Sir Alex Ferguson and is keen to secure first-team football.

Middlesbrough were thought to be leading the chase for the England international, but The Magpies have now moved to the head of the queue.

Sam Allardyce is keen to strengthen his squad and is set to boost his transfer kitty after agreeing a fee with West Ham for pacey midfielder Kieron Dyer.

"I am hoping that the Alan Smith deal will go through on Thursday," Allardyce told the Evening Chronicle.

"He has other clubs to consider and I am hoping we are top of his list."

Smith made just nine Premier League appearances for The Red Devils last term after recovering from the broken leg suffered against Liverpool.

A move to St James' Park could see Smith renew his partnership with Mark Viduka, whom he played alongside during their days at Elland Road.
Here

Am I missing something here? The Maggies have Owen, Martins, Viduka and Luque. Viduka will more than likely be starting. Either Martins or Owen will be as well. Smith will be in the exact same position at Newcastle as he is with United. In fact, he would be better off here, because for the time being... with our lack of forwards, he would be handed quite a few starts. Oh well, bring the 7 million for Smith and all is well.

EDIT: apparently the fee agreed was 6 million pounds...

**dimz** · 08-02-2007, 10:05 AM

Exactly what i was thinking. He won't get more 1st team football there so i dont' know why he'd go there. I'm hoping he opts for somewhere else, for his sake.

What i just thought of though is, how about a swap with Dyer? I've always admired his style of play, and he'd certainly come in handy as a replacement for either winger, or Scholes. He's premiership proven too. Just that he's never fit...........

**GocartMozart** · 08-02-2007, 10:25 AM

it's official

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=449629

Quote:

Reds agree Smith deal

Manchester United have confirmed that a fee has been agreed with Newcastle United for the services of England striker Alan Smith, who is currently in negotiations over personal terms.

Magpies manager Sam Allardyce is keen to tie up a deal for the 26-year-old, who has been linked away from Old Trafford all summer, but concedes that Smith has options to mull over.

Allardyce told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "I am hoping that the Alan Smith deal will go through on Thursday. He has other clubs to consider and I am hoping we are top of his list."

The England striker moved to Old Trafford from Leeds United in 2004 for £7million, and has scored 12 goals in 93 Reds appearances.

**dimz** · 08-02-2007, 10:52 AM

I'm still hoping the negotiations fall through with Newcastel. I don't think it's the rigt move for him.

**GocartMozart** · 08-02-2007, 11:14 AM

it's better than him being on the bench

**dimz** · 08-02-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GocartMozart

it's better than him being on the bench

Well that's just the thing, he'll be on the bench at Newcastle as well.

**GocartMozart** · 08-02-2007, 12:33 PM

no he won't, i have very little faith in owen, and he is good enough to start at at any number of premiership teams. pure class

i wish him all the best

**dimz** · 08-02-2007, 03:52 PM

Who is good enough to start at any premiership team? Alan Smith has the heart of a lion, but hardly the skills of a top class footballer. I love him, but he won't make Newcastle's starting lineup barring injury to either of Owen, Martins or Viduka.

**Dirtycheat** · 08-02-2007, 03:59 PM

probably one of the hardest working CF ive ever seen.

even though he is from leeds, he is loyal as a dog and doesnt moan or run to the media when he doesnt get games, but runs for every ball, always looks if someone is in a better position before he shoots.

i feel a bit guilty because when he came to man utd he was really sharp, but we made him into a CM and that took some of his sharpness up front away from him, but now he can link better with the midfield i suppose...

all the best to him, i hope he gets back to the form he was when he came to united, and i hope he can fight martins, owen and ameobi for the starting position.

...or maybe he wont play as a striker after all....

**GocartMozart** · 08-02-2007, 04:02 PM

you relaly doubt his abilities? please i'd take smudge over owen in a heart beat