Newcastle are ready to reignite their interest in Rosenborg midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred in light of James Milner’s request for a transfer away from St James’ Park.
The Magpies have been linked with a move for Skjelbred all summer, with Premier League rivals Everton, Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion all reportedly linked with the 21-year-old this summer. Some reports had claimed that Everton made a £6million offer to bring the Norwegian to Goodison Park.
Skjelbred has been at Rosenborg since 2004 and has made 35 appearances for the Troillongan and has three caps for the Norwegian national team.
However, Rosenborg sporting director Erik Hoftun has claimed that he has received no offers from a British club for Skjelbred, but did reveal that the club would consider an offer in the region of £6million for the midfielder.
Meanwhile, Milner’s decision to hand in a transfer request will alert Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill, who was on the verge of signing the 22-year-old winger two years ago only to have Newcastle block the move to Villa Park at the eleventh hour.
Now O’Neill has to decide if he will increase his £8million offer for the England Under-21 International, after being boosted by the news on Wednesday that his captain Gareth Barry is to remain at the Midlands side after being linked with a move to Liverpool all summer.
Liverpool have also reportedly been watching Milner, but are expected to sign Albert Riera from Espanyol in the next couple of days. Which leaves the Villans as the front-runners to sign Milner.
However,O’Neill has refused to comment directly if he will be going back to the Magpies for Milner, but did confirm his liking of the midfielder.
O ‘Neill said: “I am trying to strengthen my squad between now and transfer deadline day with quality players.
“Am I a fan of James Milner? He was nearly here two years ago and he nearly signed, but I never say anything is done and dusted until it actually happens.”
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