Newcastle chase Celtic ace

Wednesday, 30/11/2011

Celtic captain Scott Brown could join Newcastle in a cut-price deal in January.

The midfielder - who distanced himself with a move to St. James' Park six months ago - has still failed to resolve his contract dispute with the SPL side.

That means the 26-year-old is free to talk to clubs in January about a move.

Although he would be available on a free next summer, the Geordies might land their man for £1.5m.

But Newcastle boss Alan Pardew may use keeper Fraser Forster as bait in an exchange deal.

The Bhoys had Forster on loan last season and he is again on loan at Celtic Park this campaign.

Scotland international Brown was rated at £6m before his contract dispute with Celtic and is seen as a direct replacement for Joey Barton to bolster the Magpies' midfield options.

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