United rivalling Liverpool for Toon star

Jose Enrique is shunning talks over a new deal at Newcastle - with Manchester United ready to swoop.

The £12million-rated Spanish left-back, one of the most eye-catching performers of the season at St James' Park, has a year left on his contract and Alan Pardew wants to pin him down long term.

But the faltering chance Newcastle had of hanging on to Enrique appear to have vanished.

Pardew conceded yesterday: "It is difficult getting him to come to the table. We are safe, and that is what his people said we had to wait for. And now it is the end of the season.

"You ask, 'How possible is it to get him over the line?'"

Liverpool have been tracking Enrique for months too, but may face a battle as Enrique is desperate to use Champions League football to enhance his international ambitions.

Pardew is also keen for Joey Barton to extend his deal on Tyneside. The midfielder Barton is happy in the North-East and wants to stay, but also knows the club would cash in if the price is right.

In Pardew's eyes, it is up to the player and his agent to settle the deal that's now on the table.

"Contracts are complicated in terms of how they are paid, tax issues, length," he said. "I want Joey to stay."

Goalkeeper Fraser Foster, who's been on loan at Celtic, will return for pre-season training and "battle with Tim Krul and Steve Harper to be No1," added Pardew.

Celtic want the 23-year-old for another year on loan.

Source: Daily Mirror

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