Magpies' in Konchesky swoop

By Matthew Jones
June 19 2003

With the transfer market now open, Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson believes that he can land the youngster for less that he first though, despite his new recent England international status.

Newcastle sources have confirmed that we are considering a £3m bid for Charlton's defender Paul Konchesky.

An enquiry was made by Sir Bobby about the 22-year-old back in January. He was quoted at £5m.

A club insider said: "Now that Robbie Elliott has been transfer listed, Olivier Bernard is our only senior left-back at the club and the gaffer wants another option in that position.

"Konchesky fits the bill. He's the right age and we believe we can get him for the right price." Konchesky's advisor Andrew Mills said: "I'll be discussing Paul's position with a number of managers over the next seven to 10 days.

"A lot of Premiership teams either have a problem at left-back or are looking at left-back.

"I can't tell you right now whether they would value Paul as an addition to their squad but I expect the situation in terms of interest in him to develop."

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