• Premier League

Newcastle targeting McGeady and Long swoops

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is weighing up bids for Republic of Ireland internationals Aiden McGeady and Shane Long.

ESPN sources understand that Newcastle have made initial enquiries about signing McGeady from Spartak Moscow, with the Russian club making it clear that they expect to sell the former Celtic winger to an English Premier League club in January.

"McGeady was offered a contract extension by us, but he has refused it," Spartak's sporting director Roman Askhabadze was quoted last month. "He did it for family reasons, because his wife and children have not adapted to Moscow. In the next transfer window, if we get an offer for McGeady, he will go."

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Scottish-born McGeady is not keen to return for the resumption of the Russian league season after a public falling out with Spartak boss Valery Karpin back in November, with a move Newcastle an intriguing option for him to consider.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has also been heavily linked with a move for McGeady, who he tried to sign during his time as Wigan boss.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's interest in West Bromwich Albion striker Long revives a transfer story that surfaced a couple of years ago, when Pardew was heavily linked with a bid for the striker who has been one of the stars of the Baggies troubled season.

The experienced Long earned hugely positive reviews for his performance in West Brom's 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge back in November, but he is yet to sign a new contract with the managerless Baggies after coming close to a move to Hull in last summer's transfer window.

With Long's current deal set to expire next summer, West Brom may be forced to accept a cut-price deal if they are to sell the 26-year-old striker who could replace Papiss Cisse, who has been linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers.

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