Toon chief targets Deco
Ashley hopes to lure Deco to St James' Park
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Sunday, 19, Aug 2007 11:24
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is attempting to capture Barcelona midfielder Deco to boost his side's creativity in the middle of the pitch.
Ashley hopes to fund the deal by offering Turkish midfielder Emre as part of the package. The 26-year-old has struggled to impress on Tyneside since his £3.8 million transfer in 2005.
The entrepreneur has been in talks with Barcelona already this summer, making an inquiry for Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho before being told the player would cost him £58 million.
Ashley has now revised his transfer targets and hopes a move for Deco would be taken more seriously, according to the News of the World.
A source told the newspaper: "It is no secret Mike Ashley wants a high profile player at the club and Deco fits the bill perfectly.
"The club plan to talk with Barcelona this week to see if the deal can be achieved and are ready to offer Emre plus around £8 million in cash."
Meanwhile manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed he is interested in bringing Chelsea's reserve goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to the club on loan.
Shay Given is currently out with a groin strain picked up in pre-season and Allardyce wants someone with more first team experience than current back-up Steve Harper.
Allardyce said: "We do not have an experienced goalkeeper so I will be looking for one over the next couple of days.
"Initially it will be on loan but we want one with the right experience."
In spite of Allardyce's concerns Harper performed well for the Magpies in their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa yesterday.