Newcastle United are planning a bid for Rangers fullback Alan Hutton in January.

The Daily Record says Hutton's performance in last weekend's Euro 2008 clash with Italy at Hampden merely cemented his position as one of the most sought-after players in the SPL.

St James' Park scout Paul Montgomery, who is a friend of Scotland manager Alex McLeish, was at Hampden to see former target Luca Toni, the Italian striker who is now at Bayern Munich.

But the Magpies spy was also impressed by Hutton and admitted he was on the Tyneside radar.

Montgomery said: "He was brought into Ibrox when Alex was in charge and I have kept an eye on him since."

Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City are also watching Hutton but Rangers have no intention of selling.