Football: Gillespie on way out

KENNY DALGLISH, the Newcastle manager, could be willing to listen to offers for his winger, Keith Gillespie. With the Middlesbrough manager, Bryan Robson, on the look-out for a forward to play on the flanks, Newcastle's Northern Ireland international could find himself a target for the Premiership newcomers.

Middlesbrough have shown interest in the West Bromwich Albion winger, Kevin Kilbane, but it is believed that Denis Smith, the manager of the First Division club, wants more than Robson will pay.

Middlesbrough, who host a four-team tournament featuring Newcastle, Benfica and Empoli this weekend, are keen to get their man before they start their Premiership campaign against Leeds United in a fortnight's time.

Less than a year ago Gillespie inspired Newcastle to victory over Barcelona in the Champions' League, laying on two of Faustino Asprilla's three goals. However, he has had a chequered career on Tyneside since Kevin Keegan signed him as part of the Andy Cole deal in January 1995.