Newcastle closing in on Riise

Newcastle have apparently this week moved a step closer to landing Norway internatioanal midfielder John Arne Riise from Roma in a transfer expected to command a fee of around 3 million GBP.

Newcastle coach Joe Kinnear has been frustrated with his set of options at left back so far this year, and now wants to bring Riise in to fill the gap.

Riise left Liverpool only last year for Italy and Roma, but has failed to impress and could now make a stunning return to the Premiership with the Toon.