Brown on boss' wanted list

Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has identified Manchester United duo Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre among his key transfer targets.

Roeder has shown his list of potential summer signings to chairman Freddy Shepherd and is said to be keen on the two Old Trafford fringe men because they can operate in central defence or at full back.

Brown, 27, could move on this summer after seeing his first-team prospects diminish this season - and would want to remain in the Premiership.

Silvestre, 29, is another who appears ready to move on, but has previously stated his desire to try the Spanish league next, after playing in Italy and France earlier in his career.

Roeder, who saw Portugal against Belgium on Saturday in his search for defensive talent, has earmarked tough-tackling players to bolster his back four next season.

The Magpies manager said: "I am not looking for any nice guys.

"The chairman is aware of the players I am looking at and he hasn't said 'you shouldn't be looking at that quality'." [Via]