Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt is reportedly on his way to Newcastle United, according to newspaper reports.
The England midfielder is believed to have held talks on Tyneside with Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson.
The 28-year-old is seen as the ideal replacement for Gary Speed, who at 34 and with one year left on his contract, is near the end of his playing career.
Despite the mounting speculation, Robson refused to be drawn over Butt's future.
"Transfers are club business," said Robson. "I can't talk about other club's players. It would not be right."
Butt put in a transfer request at Old Trafford this week after becoming frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities.
Despite the player's reported desire to stay in the north of England, Newcastle could yet face competition for Butt's services from Premiership rivals Tottenham.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is being pushed by Tottenham Action Group to sign the player.
A spokesman for TAG told the Sun newspaper: "It has been widely reported that Butt is for sale and it's no secret Spurs need a combative central midfield player in that mould.
"Therefore, he is exactly the kind of player who should be considered by the board and identified as a real transfer target - especially as the fee seems reasonable."
The England midfielder is believed to have held talks on Tyneside with Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson.
The 28-year-old is seen as the ideal replacement for Gary Speed, who at 34 and with one year left on his contract, is near the end of his playing career.
Despite the mounting speculation, Robson refused to be drawn over Butt's future.
"Transfers are club business," said Robson. "I can't talk about other club's players. It would not be right."
Butt put in a transfer request at Old Trafford this week after becoming frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities.
Despite the player's reported desire to stay in the north of England, Newcastle could yet face competition for Butt's services from Premiership rivals Tottenham.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is being pushed by Tottenham Action Group to sign the player.
A spokesman for TAG told the Sun newspaper: "It has been widely reported that Butt is for sale and it's no secret Spurs need a combative central midfield player in that mould.
"Therefore, he is exactly the kind of player who should be considered by the board and identified as a real transfer target - especially as the fee seems reasonable."
