Panathinaikos threaten Newcastle plans for Villa midfielder Ireland

Panathinaikos could nick Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland from loan club Newcastle United in June.

The Daily Star says Ireland has returned to training and will be involved for the first time against Everton as he tries to clinch a permanent move to the North East.

Greek club ­Panathinaikos will watch Ireland in the final weeks of the season before deciding whether to make a bid for him.

They have admitted their interest in the 24-year-old and, unlike Newcastle, are willing to match his £60,000-a-week wages.

 
Click here for the No1 coverage of all the gossip and transfer news around Aston Villa.

Join the conversation on

Tribalfootball Store

Newcastle United Away 11/12 Football Shirt Made By Puma 100% Polyester Sponsor - Northern Rock Colour Black

£44.99 Buy

Newcastle United Home 10/11 Football Shirt Made By Puma Sponsor Northern Rock Key Players - Dan Gosling, Alan Smith Colour Black & White

£9.99 Buy

Newcastle United Away 10/11 Football Shirt Made By Puma 100% Polyester Colour White/Blue

£19.99 Buy

Predator Absolado Astro Turf Football Trainers Made By Adidas.

£29.99 Buy

Adi 5 X Astro Turf /3G Football Trainer Youths Made by Adidas. The Adi 5 X range have been designed to perform at their best on astro turf surfaces.

£14.99 Buy

Mercurial Victory II AG Kids Football Boots Made By Nike Introducing the Mercurial Victory, a lightweight and reliable choice for players who demand fast manoeuvring and quicker thinking.

£34.99 Buy

This was the season which the Magpies bid farewell to Kevin Keegan, who announced his retirement after scoring 48 goals in just 78 matches.

£29.99 Buy

Newcastle United Home 11/12 Goalkeepers Football Shirt Made By Puma Sponsor Northern Rock Colour Green/Dark Shadow

£9.99 Buy