It's a steal?

According to today's News Of The Screws, the Mackems fancy muscling in on our attempts to strike a deal with Dan Gosling. We're already competing with West Ham, and losing out to either the Hammers or the light-fingered Great Unwashed would be a bit of a blow, especially given the enthusiastic groundwork we've put in since news broke of his departure from Goodison Park.

The Mackems are also reported to be keen on another free agent, Sol Campbell, though again they're not alone. It's a bit surprising we haven't been mentioned this time around, given that the former Arsenal defensive mainstay has in the past openly admitted that a move to St James' Park would appeal.

Gosling's Everton exit was prompted at least in part by a desire for assurances of regular football - assurances that another target, Jack Wilshere, has also sought. The News Of The Screws suggests that we've now "dropped our interest", though - because we're expecting Gosling to sign, perhaps?

Meanwhile, the Daily Heil claims that a guarantee of first-team action made by Roberto Mancini to the returning Joe Hart means Shay Given will be twiddling his thumbs on Man City's bench when the new season kicks off. What odds a move back to Tyneside? Longer than the odds of us seeing Gosling in a black and white shirt, I'd guess...