Allegedly, Kevin Keegan has launched a £5million official approach.
The Irish defender, recently named the Republic of Ireland Player of the Year, says he would like to talk to the Toon boss.
The 28-year-old is said to be KK's "top summer target".
NEWCASTLE-MAD'S MONDAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
BOXING: Joe Calzaghe battled back from a stunning first round knockdown to score a disputed split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas last week and reign as light-heavyweight world number one.
Prior to the fight, Hopkins said: "I won't let no white guy beat me!"
Imagine the outrage if Calzaghe said: "I won't let no black guy beat me!"
SNOOKER: Do snooker commentators need to get out more?
Yesterday, China's Liang Wenbo played Northern Ireland's Joe Swail. Liang thrashed at the balls and a red went down a bag as the Chinese player walked away.
Dennis Taylor described it as "The funniest thing ever!", while John Parrot said: "That was absolutelly hilliarious, I have never seen anything like it!"
God forbid ... he didn't see a ball go down the pocket ... nothing more!
Get out more you sad muppets!
As for Swail, did anyone see him put a glass up to his face for a drink then mouth the words "lucky bastard!"?