Newcastle United are closing in on Manchester City fullback Wayne Bridge.
The People says the former England left-back is one of many players surplus to requirements at Manchester City, and would be available for a nominal fee.
But the major stumbling block for Newcastle and other clubs interested in the 30-year-old are his reported £90,000-a-week wages.
Bridge will have to agree to a significant wage cut to secure a move. He would appear to be at odds with the current transfer policy favoured by owner Mike Ashley, who prefers to sign players with potential sell-on value.
But a St James Park source told the People: "We would definitely be interested in Bridge. He would be a valuable addition to our squad, whether or not we sell Jose. But he would have to show us he still wants to play football and take a drop in his wages."
