IT14

'£12million not enough for Jenas'

Newcastle have slapped a price tag of well in excess of £12million on England midfielder Jermaine Jenas as they braced themselves for an approach from Arsenal.
Patrick Vieira's possible move to Juventus would leave a huge hole at the heart of Arsene Wenger's side and, amid speculation that the Frenchman is ready to make his move, the Magpies have thrown down the gauntlet.


However, the whole situation is steeped in intrigue with the Tyneside club ready to launch a bid to bring England defender Sol Campbell to St James' Park, and while they were bullish in public, their need for an experienced stopper in the wake of Titus Bramble's elbow fracture could well force them to at least consider a sizeable offer.

'If we were to sell Jermaine, which is the last thing on my mind, it would have to be for a lot more money than Patrick Vieira is being sold for - if it is £12million - because he is 22 years old and he has the potential to be one of the best midfield players in the world,' Souness told Sky Sports News.

'He maybe he does not have the aggression that Patrick Vieira has, but he has certainly got the athleticism, technically he is good - he is an outstanding player.

'But it would take a lot more than £12million to buy Jermaine Jenas, and I do not think anyone has that kind of money right now.'

Chairman Freddy Shepherd went a step further, however, reiterating his determination to keep hold of the youngster for whom he paid Nottingham Forest £5million in February 2002.

'We have had no contact with Arsenal as regards any of our players, not just Jermaine Jenas,' he said in a statement. 'I can only repeat what has been said on several occasions, and that is that JJ is not for sale.

'He is a very important member of our squad and we see his future as being with Newcastle United at St James' Park.'

Jenas arrived on Tyneside as one of the English game's most promising talents, and he fulfilled that expectation to such an extent that he has become a regular in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad.

However, there are those who believe his development has slowed under Souness, and the addition of Scott Parker and Emre - the Scot confirmed today that the 24-year-old has completed his move from Inter Milan - will increase competition for places further.  


Arsenal 想買Jenas頂韋拉，紐卡素又想要穌金寶，可能Arsenal 會交換補錢~~