Vieri and Smith Enquiries Come To Nothing

By Matthew Jones
July 1 2005

Strikers remain a priority at St James' Park, although Christian Vieri (released today by Inter Milan) and Alan Smith are out of the equation.

Inter striker Vieri became a free agent today after his contract was cancelled by the Italian club, and Toon boss Graeme Souness has admitted that he did try to bring him to St James' Park.

Today's press also linked Newcastle United with a move for Manchester United striker Alan Smith, and again, Souness has admitted making inquiries about the England international - although this too came to nothing.

Speaking to NUFC.co.uk, Souness said of Vieri: "We did inquire about Christian Vieri. I got a mutual friend to have a word with the player, but it appears he wants to go to Spain."

On Smith, he added: "We made an inquiry for Alan Smith also, but were told there is nothing doing."

Graeme Souness also dismissed reports that he is interested in bringing Tore Andre Flo to Tyneside, saying: "I don't know where that story came from, but there is no truth in it whatsoever."