Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort is ready to canvas opinion about introducing standing areas at St James' Park.

The Sunday Sun says United are willing to open a debate with fans and possibly other Premier League clubs and the Government on the issue of safe standing.

Although successive Sports Ministers - mindful of the emotive memories of Hillsborough - have resisted calls for the reintroduction of terraces, surveys suggest a significant majority of fans are in favour being given the choice of whether to stand or sit inside Premier League grounds.

And the widespread presence of safe-standing areas in Germany adds weight to their argument.