Newcastle after Riquelme?

Newcastle are believed to be weighing up a move for Argentinian superstar Juan Roman Riquelme. Sam Allardyce is reportedly looking for world class talent to add to his squad, and Riquelme - owned and unwanted by Villarreal - is reportedly ready to join the Premiership side.

The Sun says Riquelme, 29, has not played at all this season and Sam Allardyce is weighing up an £8million move to boost his midfield options.

Brazilian club Fluminense and Atletico Madrid remain interested but Allardyce will tempt playmaker Riquelme with the guarantee of first-team football.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig wants a deal sorted as soon as possible and admitted: “I think that the situation is going to be solved in December.”