Newcastle have turned their attentions to Bayern Munich centre-half Samuel Kuffour as they look to shore up their shaky defence when the transfer window re-opens next month, writes Scott Wilson.
The Ghana international is currently in the final year of his contract with Bayern and the German giants are willing to off-load him in January to prevent him leaving for nothing in the summer.
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is understood to have held preliminary discussions with his Bayern counterpart, Franz Beckenbauer, and is ready to make a firmer approach within the next fortnight.
Kuffour, 28, has made more than 60 Champions League appearances since moving from his homeland 11 years ago.
Meanwhile, Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has dismissed speculation linking Newcastle with England international Matthew Upson.
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