Newcastle agree £6m fee for Smith

shortfuse0_1 · #1 (**permalink**) 2nd August 2007, 05:01 PM

Newcastle have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Manchester United for England striker Alan Smith.
The Magpies are in talks with the 26-year-old, who has been linked to a host of Premiership clubs, and it is believed the deal is worth £6m.

Smith could even make his Newcastle debut alongside former Leeds team-mate Mark Viduka in a pre-season friendly against Sampdoria on Sunday.

Out-of-contract Lyon captain Cacapa, 31, is also in talks with Newcastle.

The Brazilian central defender skippered the French champions in each of their last five title-winning seasons.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has so far added Viduka, Joey Barton, David Rozehnal and Geremi to the squad since arriving at the club.

But with six players departing and Kieron Dyer also set to leave, Allardyce has been frustrated over the lack of new faces.

However, the club are hopeful of pipping north-east rivals Middlesbrough and Sunderland, as well as the likes of Everton and Tottenham, to Smith's signature.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had previously admitted there was plenty of interest in the player.

Everton's chase is thought to be dependent upon them offloading James Beattie, while Boro's bid looks to have stalled.

Smith has two years left on his current United deal but it had been expected that he would be sold before the start of the season.

He battled back from a broken leg to play last season but the offer of a new deal at Old Trafford has not materialised.

The striker was signed from Leeds for £7m three years ago.