Newcastle confirm Mbia bid

(GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has confirmed the club have lodged a £5m bid for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.

The Magpies have also made an enquiry over 30-year-old West Ham defender Lucas Neill as they attempt to cover for the loss of Habib Beye to an ankle injury.

Kinnear is now awaiting news of the club's firm offer for 22-year-old Cameroon international Mbia, and developments with Australian Neill.

He said: "We have put a bid in writing for Stephane Mbia and we are waiting to hear from his club.

"We have put a bid in of £5m and we are waiting to see what the outcome of that is."

Asked about Neill, he added: "We have spoken to his agent and it is ongoing at the moment, we are just waiting to see. We could get an answer at any time."

Kinnear claimed last night that the club had made two £4m offers for unnamed players.

With his interest in Toulouse defender Albin Ebondo having apparently cooled, it is understood St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis could now be in his sights.

Meanwhile, Geremi and his representatives are still in talks over a proposed move to Turkish club Besiktas which could further boost the manager's transfer kitty.