Newcastle and Celtic Linked With Earnshaw Swoop
Cheerio?
By Chris O'Brien
February 22 2004
Since Robert Earnshaw's hat-trick for Wales against Scotland, the Zambian-born Cardiff City forward has been linked with a series of high-profile clubs in the national press. Newcastle United and Glasgow Celtic are both believed to be tracking the 22-year-old.
| Newcastle and Celtic Linked With Earnshaw Swoop |
| Following his hat-trick in the
international friendly against Scotland during mid-week, Cardiff City
forward Robert Earnshaw has once again been linked to a series of clubs in
the national press.
Newcastle United and Glasgow Celtic are believed to be two clubs showing interest in the Zambian-born forward, with Sir Bobby Robson and Martin O'Neill both rumoured to be lining up bids for the 22-year-old when the transfer window re-opens at the end of the season. It is a fact that both clubs are looking to purchase a new striker. Welsh international and Magpies striker Craig Bellamy's career has been hampered with injuries, and Alan Shearer is approaching his retirement so Robson is thought to be interested in adding a striker to his ranks as he aims for his Newcastle side to start challenging for the Premiership title. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill faces the conundrum of replacing the seemingly irreplaceable Henrik Larsson. The Swedish star has helped the Glasgow outfit to numerous successes on the domestic front and continued progression on the European scene during his time at Parkhead, but Larsson has confirmed that this season will be his last as a Celtic player as he is looking for a new challenge as his career reached its climax. It is thought that with the slight possibility of a play-off spot still available for the Bluebirds, Lennie Lawrence is not currently considering cashing-in on the striker. However, if City fail to make the play-offs then the City manager will be willing to listen to offers in the region of £5million for the Welsh international, with the offer of Premiership of European football for Earnshaw unmatchable by Cardiff. Personally I doubt a club such as Newcastle of Glasgow Celtic will be willing to part with the healthy sum of £5million for a player who is largely unproven. Very little money is changing hands outside of the Premiership's 'top three clubs' at the moment, so whether Sir Bobby Robson or Martin O'Neill would be willing to spend the majority of their transfer budget on a player who could flop at the top level is a major doubt. Should an offer of £5million come in for Earnshaw though, I would imagine the club would find it to tempting to resist, especially with Cardiff City currently carrying hefty debts following hefty spending on the transfer market since Sam Hammam bought the club in 2000. The club recieved no offers or even enquiries for Earnshaw during the New Year transfer window, but after his mid-week trio of goals for Wales, big clubs are sure to be tracking the striker for the rest of the season. |