Newcastle United are launching a £5 million bid for Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.

The Mail on Sunday says Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has made Republic of Ireland Player of the Year Dunne his No 1 defensive target after discussions with football director Dennis Wise.

Keegan wants players with Premier League experience as he looks to bring in at least five new faces while Wise wants a host of foreign youngsters.

Dunne missed City's 3-2 defeat to Fulham at Eastlands after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Portsmouth.