Newcastle United have made their move for Czech Republic defender David Rozehnal.
It is understood the Magpies have tabled a £2million bid for the Paris St Germain player, who has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premiership.
The 26-year-old is one of several defenders being targeted by manager Sam
Allardyce as he attempts to strengthen his resources at the back.
Rozehnal began his career in his home country with Sigma Olomouc and twice won
the Belgian title with Bruges before his move to PSG in 2005.
Allardyce has made his defence a priority after landing striker Mark Viduka
last week and all-but tying up a £5.5million swoop for Manchester City
midfielder Joey Barton.
That deal is being held up by a row between the player and City over a
£300,000 loyalty payment, but the Magpies boss is wasting no time as he waits
for that matter to be resolved.
Allardyce is keen to lure out-of-contract Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim to St
James' Park amid competition from Wanderers and Chelsea, who were heavily linked
with the 25-year-old Israel international during the January transfer window.
The club have also enquired about the availability of 29-year-old Marseille
skipper Habib Beye, while Liverpool's Sami Hyypia remains high on the list.
However, Newcastle are unlikely to pursue their interest in Wigan left-back
Leighton Baines after his club valued him at £5million.
The 22-year-old, who played in England's 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic at
the European Under-21 Championships last night, has been tracked by the
Magpies.
But Wigan's valuation and Allardyce's search for players capable of dealing
with an aerial threat means they are likely to look elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Allardyce has been spared a club v country row with Peru
international Nolberto Solano after the 32-year-old was left out of Julio Cesar
Uribe's provisional squad for the Copa America, which starts later this month.
However, he could yet play a part in his country's qualifying campaign for the
2010 World Cup.
Former boss Sir Bobby Robson persuaded Solano to retire from international
football because of the pressures of travelling to and from games which often
left him struggling to recover for club fixtures.
However, the former Boca Juniors star has never ruled out a return and is thought to be keen to play his part once again.
