Allardyce Wants Ben-Haim Signature

By Mark Heys
June 7 2007

Former Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he is interested in taking his former defender Tal Ben-Haim to Newcastle United despite reassurances towards his old club that he would not destroy the legacy that he built up during his eight years in charge,

Ben-Haim is currently out of contract at Bolton and will decide on his long term future when he comes back off holiday. He was linked to Chelsea and West Ham United during the last transfer window after admitting he wasn't prepared to sign a new contract to remain with the Wanderers.

The 25-year old joined Bolton from Maccabi Tel Aviv three years ago and has since gone on to become one of the most accomplished players within the Premier League.

He gave Bolton a glimmer of hope at the end of last season when stating that he may remain in Lancashire, but news of Allardyce's interest in him will no doubt rock the boat again.

Allardyce says he wants to bring Ben-Haim to St James Park after already luring the Wanderers head of Sports Science Mark Taylor a couple of weeks ago.

Newcastle have already agreed deals in priniciple for Manchester City's troublesome midfielder Joey Barton and Middlesbrough's veteran forward Mark Viduka, whilst also allowing Scott Parker to return to the South of England with West Ham United.

Speaking about the Ben-Haim situation Allardyce was quoted as saying:

"Im interested in any player of quality who wants to move on, so yes I'm interested in Tal Ben Haim,"

"He's a free a free agent and hopefully available. He has three or four years of experience in the Premiership and I know him inside out. We had a good working relationship, we grew in the Premiership together and I'm very interested in working with him again"