Newcastle will probably welcoming two defenders at St. James’ Park in the next couple days. Aston Villa’s Martin Laursen recently being tipped to make a move to the Magpies after failing on new contract deal with Randy Lerner’s team.
“I’ve read in the press that those two clubs would be interested in me,” he said in the Birmingham Mail. “I don’t know if they have spoken to Aston Villa, I haven’t heard anything, but it’s two big clubs and it’s certainly something that would interest me.”
Started his senior career with Danish club Silkeborg IF. After three seasons at Silkeborg, Italian Serie B outfit Hellas Verona signed him in August 1998. Laursen was plagued by a knee injury for the majority of his first season at Verona, where the club won promotion to the top-flight Serie A.
Parma, who also jointly owned Laursen with Verona, made a bid for his full services. With Parma, Laursen has only three weeks of training at the club, before being picked up by A.C. Milan in a £8.7 million bid. He starts in strong with AC Milan and scoring two goals in his first four league matches.
His Premierships adventure starts in May 21, 2004 with a move to Aston Villa for £3 million, on a four-year contract. His first season with Villa is haven’t been smooth following knee injury. Laursen is often having his knee problem back year after year, Allardyce have to take his knee injury record into concern if he is actually really going to chase this player.
Meanwhile, former United right back, Andy Griffin could be set for his emotional return to St James’s Park with Stoke City. Griffin started his career with Stoke before Kenny Dalglish signed him for £1.5m.
“We’re hoping to conclude the deal and everybody will be delighted to get Andy back. Everybody will be looking forward to going to Newcastle.” Toni Pulis told the Chronicle, “Our supporters deserve the trip up to St James’s for the replay.”
Newcastle United FA Cup replay with Stoke is scheduled on Wednesday, January 16 (kick-off 7.45pm). Tickets sale will commence on Saturday, January 12, available via the NUFC Box Office and online here.