N'Zogbia 'may quit Magpies'
Charles N'Zogbia may leave Newcastle United at end of season
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Thursday, 07, Feb 2008 03:53
Newcastle United midfielder Charles N'Zogbia could be set to leave St James' Park in the summer after speculation he is unhappy at the club.
The versatile young winger, who is reportedly close to forcing his way into the France squad for Euro 2008 due to his good form in the Premier League, is a fans' favourite on Tyneside.
But new Toon boss Kevin Keegan has admitted that the 21-year-old has already spoken to him about the prospect of moving on this summer if a buyer can be found.
Speculation in January linked the player with a move to Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, although at the time it was dismissed by Newcastle.
However, Keegan has since spoken about the situation surrounding N'Zogbia and admitted there may be scope for him to be sold if that is the player's wish.
"Charles came to talk to me about speculation that there was interest from Spurs," Keegan is reported to have told French sports daily L'Equipe.
"We'll look at it in the summer as the signs are he is not happy here."
N'Zogbia joined the Magpies from French club Le Havre in 2004 and as recently as last September he signed a new five-year contract to remain on Tyneside until at least 2012.
However, it is thought that Keegan's decision to employ the winger as a makeshift defender due to a shortage of options is frustrating N'Zogbia and he is keen to play in his favoured position more often.
This wish is likely to be fulfilled by a move to Spurs, who are still searching for a natural left-footer to play on the left wing.
Their advances for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing were rebuffed during January and Juande Ramos is also thought to have failed in his attempts to lure Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen to White Hart Lane.