Viana In Swap Deal For Argentine International?

While Fat Fred was supposedly half-way between Tyneside and Turkey tracking Anelka, but made a stop off in Spain to look at Albert Luque, allegedly "A party from Newcastle travelled to Borussia Monchengladbach, where they looked at D'Alessandro as Wolves earned a 1-1 draw on their travels.

"The 24-year-old midfielder is reportedly keen for a new challenge and this news has alerted Souness to his possible availability."

Hugo Viana could be used as a potential make-weight in the deal as the German club have shown an interest in the want-away midfielder. But doesn't it smack of United's desperation to get the ex-Sporting star off the books and have simply looked to see someone they fancy in exchange?

Is that how Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal do business?
It was reported yesterday Viana is facing up to the prospect of four months in the first-team wilderness after failing to secure a move away this summer.

The Portuguese international, on national team duty against Egypt in the Azores this week, has spent the summer touting his talents to clubs across the continent.

But he must accept that a substantial pay cut is the only way out of a situation which is threatening his involvement in next summer's World Cup.

Viana, for his part, does not want to be perceived as a player happy to take his money and contribute nothing in return. He has tried hard to organise his own move, but nothing has come of his efforts.