Emerton link re-surfaces

A £8million swoop for the player had been expected over the summer, but it seemed that the Toon had been priced out of the running as Dutch outfit Feyenoord continued to ask for more money.

Summer speculation has continued to link Premiership rivals Liverpool and Leeds United with the player, but weekend reports have again linked Newcastle with an approach.

Emerton's agent, Simon Konstantinidis, has suggested that the player would be keen on a switch to Tyneside.

"I don't know what discussions have taken place between Newcastle and Feyenoord," he is quoted as saying in today's Sunday Sun.

"But if they were talking, Brett is still keen to go to the Premiership and would be flattered to play for Newcastle United."

Feyenoord are expected to accept a bid of around £8million in the coming weeks, as they risk losing him for nothing next summer under thee Bosman ruling.

United are believed to want to pay the fee in installments, but Feyenoord want the entire fee up front.

Last year he turned down a move to Arsenal, after they wanted to play him in the right-back position - he completely refused to negotiate with the Gunners.