Newcastle United will compete for West Ham defender Matthew Upson in January.

The Journal says with a host of other clubs also interested in Upson, who has cemented his place in the England squad this season and is now pushing for a regular starting berth, West Ham are asking a high price.

Newcastle are thought to have offered in the region of £5m-£6m for the 29-year-old but the Hammers are believed to be holding out for nearer double that.

The Londoners may eventually have to lower their price if all Upson's suitors stand firm, but the early indications are that Kinnear may need his executive director (football) Dennis Wise to explore other alternatives.