NEWCASTLE are set to lose two of their fringe players with Birmingham poised to table an offer for Danny Guthrie and Wayne Routledge expected to complete a move to QPR despite reports suggesting the London club have dropped their interest in the winger. Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Loftus Road, Routledge had been expected to complete a permanent return to QPR as soon as the London club won the Championship title. That did not happen, and reports emanating from London yesterday suggested Rangers boss Neil Warnock had ended his pursuit of the 26-year-old. The Northern Echo understands that is not the case, with a deal between QPR and Routledge’s representatives all but agreed. However, the move is being held up by the terms of the winger’s departure from St James’ Park, with a dispute over a potential pay off complicating matters. Provided the current impasse is resolved, Routledge is still expected to be a QPR player before the Newcastle squad report for the start of pre-season training on July 4. Whether Guthrie is still on the Magpies’ books at that stage remains to be seen, but new Birmingham boss Chris Hughton is keen to sign the 24-year-old, having worked with him closely during his time on Tyneside. Guthrie played a major role in Newcastle’s Championship title win two season ago, starting 36 of the club’s 46 league games. However, he made only 11 Premier League starts last term, with Alan Pardew preferring to look elsewhere for the heart of his midfield. The arrival of Yohan Cabaye and Sylvain Marveaux has pushed him even further down the pecking order, and the Magpies will be keen to move him off the wage bill this summer. They will, however, demand a fee of around £3m before they allow him to move to St Andrew’s, having spent £2.5m to sign the 24-year-old from Bolton in 2008. Meanwhile, Newcastle officials have confirmed they have not received any bids for Joey Barton, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez despite persistent speculation linking the trio with a possible exit from St James’ Park. n After being released by Newcastle yesterday, 21-year-old defender Ben Tozer has signed a permanent deal with Northampton Town. http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/9106095.Duo_set_to_quit_United/
The papers can print what they like can't they yesterday we pulled out today he is gonna sign I don't know what to believe anymore.
SSN stated as a definite 'no no' last night. Stated that WR did not wish to come to QPR!! If that's the case, ditch him and move on. Better players like Mackey who actually want to be at the club and will give 110%.
He's never quite had his heart with QPR to date, although I have to say he gave 100% in our push for promotion and scored some crucial goals...I see it as good news of he is signed permanently. He's got a point to prove in the Prem...
I don't believe any of these reports from so called "insiders" anymore. It's all just guesswork to fill the papers and websites.
I agree. It's a shame he manages to rile fans with first his departure from us and then his (potential) arrival back when, if he kept his gob shut, he'd be a hugely popular player.
His track record shows loyalty isn't his strong point. He's not going to get an offer from a PL club so does he really want to play in the big league or be a top player in a weaker league?
Skysports.com understands new Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton is lining up a raid on his former club Newcastle United for Leon Best and Wayne Routledge. Hughton signed both players during his time in charge at St James' Park and is considering a summer reunion as he looks to bolster his Birmingham squad. The Blues chief revealed on Friday that his priority is bringing in new signings and is weighing up offers for Best and Routledge. Republic of Ireland striker Best joined the Magpies from Coventry City in early 2010 and scored six goals in 11 Premier League appearances last season. However, reports have recently claimed that Hughton's successor Alan Pardew is prepared to offload Best to make room for new arrivals on Tyneside. Skysports.com revealed on Friday, meanwhile, that Newcastle have also circulated the name of winger Routledge to other clubs. Routledge joined Newcastle around the same time as Best and featured regularly during the first half of last season when Hughton was still manager. However, following Pardew's appointment, he spent the second half of last season on loan at former club Queens Park Rangers, who are understood to still be interested in Routledge.
First he can't agree with QPR, then he says he is staying at Newcastle, then Newcastle put him on the transfer list, then he IS off to QPR, then he is off to Birmingham. Tomorrow in the News Of The World he will be running away to Lapland with a 20 year old shoe salesman from Northampton (or maybe a stripper from Bolton). What a load of old bollocks.
We can't believe anything we read but we can believe our own eyes. He seemed to enjoy himself this season and enjoying being part of QPR. Maybe he's not as loyal as Martin Rowlands and the like but I'm sure he feels part of things and will put in effort, especially in the premier league.
davidmcintyre76 David McIntyre It seems Leicester are showing an interest in Routledge. And they won't miss out on many targets. Money to burn.
