SOUTHGATE: Toon linked with £3M bid

By Matthew Jones
April 2 2003

Newcastle United are prepared to make a £3,000,000 swoop for 'Boro and England defender, Gareth Southgate. Sir Bobby is prepared to let Greek defender Nikos Dabizas leave the club in order to make room for the Riverside ace.

England defender Gareth Southgate has been linked with a THREE MILLION POUND move from local North East Rivals Middlesbrough to St James' Park.

Once at St James' Park, Southgate should hopefully have many chances to play in Europe - as The Boro don't get into Europe :)

Chairman Freddy Shepherd is willing to make funds available for the move, but is requesting sir Bobby to get rid of some of the current players. One of these players looks likely to be Greek defender, Nikos Dabizas.

"Bobby might ask for another player but I don't know where he is going to put him," said Shepherd.

"We have nine centre-backs, 12 midfielders and six up front. We've spent £190 million on players over 10 years and £100 million on the stadium.

"We always find the right funds for the right project at the right time."