Update: Sheperd in talks for Brett

By Peter Donnelly
May 13 2003

Brett Emerton recently admitted he would be delighted if he could move to St. James' Park this summer - and I can confirm to you that Newcastle ARE after the player.

Newcastle Chairman Freddy Sheperd said that he "hopes to conclude a deal with Feyenoord soon, for Brett Emerton.".

Aussi Emerton is right-footed and mainly plays right-wing for Feyenoord but can also play centre-mid aswell as full-back.

And right full-back is where he played at St. James' Park earlier in the season when Feyenoord snatched a 1-0 win. It was very notable though that Laurent Robert got the better of Emerton for much of the game although the Australian international was pretty adventurous for a full-back playing away from home. It's known that Robson sees him as a holding midfield player, which would probably leave him as a replacement for Gary Speed - when Speed is out injured I mean.

Although strength-in-depth is an important factor for success it's quite hard to see how he would fit in and I certainly hope Nolberto Solano's future at the club won't be put into question if Emerton does sign. Nobby's a top class player and very important to Newcastle United.

Too many players can be the case with some clubs sometimes too, like Leeds for example. However, this is Sir Bobby Robson dealing and wealing here so we'll just have to trust Wor Bobby. We'll have more news when we hear it.