Glenn Roeder is allegedly preparing to bring another ex-Newcastle player back to St James' Park. He wanted Manchester City's Sylvain Distin last summer but for whatever reason it didn't happen, and in January he will try again.
The Frenchman, who was always at loggerheads with Sir Bobby Robson for playing him at left-back (rather than his prefered centre-back position), has snubbed terms for an extended stay at Eastlands and will be a free agent in the summer.
Portsmouth and Middlesbrough are also said to be interested in the 28-year-old. If he does return to St James' Park, he will be in good company. Lee Clark, Olivier Bernard and Pavel Srnicek all played for the club previously.