Southgate WANTS Newcastle United transfer

By Matthew Jones
May 25 2003

Gareth Southgate hints at desire to play for Newcastle United. The 'Boro and England centre-half wishes to play in the Champions League, and he knows that Newcastle are keen to sign him up.

Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate has hinted that he is wanting to move to Newcastle United as he is desperate to play Champions League football.

He knows that Newcastle are keen to bring him to Tyneside.

Southgate said, "The fact of the matter is I'm a Middlesbrough player and it's up to them whether they want to listen to offers.

"Everybody knows how ambitious I am and being involved with England is extremely important to me. Obviously in an ideal world, I would like to be playing European football.

"Sven Goran Eriksson has always put great stock on players competing at the highest level and there is no question that playing in Europe sharpens your game up.

"It gives you a great advantage when you come away to internationals. You don't have to pick your pace up quite as much as you do if you just play Premiership football.

"I feel a young 32. I have missed three games in two years, so I think that speaks volumes. I look after myself and I expect to play for at least three or four more years and hopefully that will be at the highest level."

Newcastle are still expected to make a £2 million offer for the England centre-half next week.