The Journal: "Newcastle United will try to persuade Manchester United to part company with defender Wes Brown in January after the defender rejected a new contract offer from the Red Devils.
Journal Confirm Toon Interest In Brown!
"Magpies manager Sam Allardyce first expressed an interest in the England international in the summer but was told by his opposite number at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, that Brown was not for sale.
"The Journal has been told the player, who has also attracted interest from Sunderland, even discussed the possibility of a move to St James's Park with his England colleagues Michael Owen and Kieron Dyer during the national team's summer internationals.
"As a result, Allardyce will make a second move for the 28-year-old in the New Year and there is a reasonable chance Newcastle will finally get their man following Brown's decision not to sign Manchester United's final contract offer last week.
"Brown's present deal expires in June, which will mean he is free to negotiate a Bosman-style free transfer in January.
"That would be financially lucrative for the player, but Newcastle hope they will be able to land the defender, who has won 14 caps for England, before then by offering Manchester United around £3m during the next transfer window."