Newcastle put on alert for Kluivert

Newcastle will join the chase for Patrick Kluivert, Barcelona's £15million striker, if he is put up for sale.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd asked Barca about the availability of 24-year-old Kluivert while negotiating a £7m deal for the Dutchman's clubmate Boudewijn Zenden last week.

Newcastle told Barcelona that they want Kluivert and are prepared to match any bid for the World Cup star.

But Kluivert threatens to jolt Geordie hopes by holding out for a Bosman free transfer when his contract runs out next year.

Zenden's proposed move to Tyneside also looked on shaky ground last night after the winger's father and agent warned that Parma and Deportivo la Coruna head the race. Pierre Zenden said: 'The priority is not Newcastle. We have spoken with Bobby Robson, we like him and Newcastle is a nice club. But Boudewijn wants to play in the Champions League or UEFA Cup. So Newcastle is just a small possibility.'

Newcastle have completed a £6m deal for Coventry's Craig Bellamy as predicted in Sportsmail and are likely to sign old boy Robbie Elliott from Bolton next week.