Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce could be ready to make an audacious bid to persuade Gabriel Heinze to swap Old Trafford for St James' Park. It is understood Allardyce, backed by new Magpies owner Mike Ashley, is considering a move for the 29-year-old Manchester United defender as he contemplates his future.However, he would face stiff competition for the Argentina international, who was last week linked with United's north-west rivals Liverpool, with continental giants Real Madrid, AC Milan and Barcelona also keeping tabs on him. Allardyce has made the recruitment of a left-back a major priority after landing striker Mark Viduka, midfielders Joey Barton and Geremi and central defender David Rozehnal.
Deputy chairman Chris Mort last week revealed there is money in the kitty for further acquisitions and forecast "a couple" more signings. The Magpies have privately played down speculation linking them with Barcelona midfielder Deco and Real Madrid star Raul, although their interest in Heinze is more concrete.
The former Paris St Germain defender, who cost United £6.9million in July 2004, found himself in direct competition with France international Patrice Evra last season. There have been rumours since that the player is less than settled and could exercise his right to buy himself out of his contract at Old Trafford.
Where Liverpool's hopes of luring the South American to Anfield may be scuppered by the rivalry between the two clubs, Newcastle have done business with United on several occasions during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. Keith Gillespie and Nicky Butt have both crossed the Pennines for St James' while Giuseppe Rossi spent three months on loan on Tyneside last season, although Ferguson was less than impressed with his lack of senior football.
Heinze, who played for his country in last night's 4-0 Copa America victory over Peru in Venezuela, will seek assurances over his future on his return, although he has previously hinted he could leave the Barclays Premier League champions if the right offer came along.
For all Newcastle would face a monumental battle to capture the player should he become available, Allardyce had a commendable record for attracting impressive signings to Bolton with the likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and Nicolas Anelka all heading for the Reebok Stadium during his reign.
