Newcastle interested in signing Huth from Chelsea

Newcastle United are attempting to sign the Chelsea centre-half Robert Huth. Newcastle's manager, Sir Bobby Robson, has opened talks with Chelsea for the powerful German, who will be only 20 at the start of next season. Huth left an impression on the Newcastle captain Alan Shearer last season after clashing with the striker when the clubs met on Tyneside.

Robson wants to take Huth either in a permanent £4m deal or on loan for the season. Newcastle are willing to find the money because Huth will have a sell-on value far greater than his current valuation if he becomes a strong Premiership performer. Huth may also be tempted by the chance of top-flight football at home and abroad, rather than waiting for his big chance at Chelsea.

Chelsea are considering the move and their new coach, Jose Mourinho, will face one of his first tricky decisions over the next few days. Mourinho has plenty of centre-halves at the club and would like to sign Ricardo Carvalho from his old club, Porto. If he succeeds then Huth may be sold.

Chelsea are also willing to let Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink go a year before the end of his contract. Celtic hope to agree a package for Hasselbaink shortly, with the final word down to the Dutch striker, who wants to stay in England.