The Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has confirmed the club have lodged a £5million (Dh27m) bid for the Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia. The Magpies have also made an enquiry over West Ham defender Lucas Neill, 30. Kinnear is now awaiting news of the club's firm offer for the Cameroon international Mbia, 22, and developments with Neill.
He said: "We have put a bid in writing for Mbia of £5m and we are waiting to see what the outcome is." Kinnear claims to have also made two £4m offers for unnamed players. It is understood that the St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis could now be a target. Meanwhile, the Newcastle midfielder Geremi and his representatives are still in talks over a move to the Turkish club Besiktas.
