KEVIN KEEGAN'S Manchester City have emerged as rivals to Newcastle United as interest intensifies in the player hailed as Norway's answer to David Beckham.

Morten Gamst Pedersen, who Norwegian sources claim bends it like Beckham from free-kicks, was watched by the Magpies in a UEFA Under-21 qualifier in Denmark last week.

But Newcastle weren't alone, with City and Liverpool joining the clutch of top clubs already alerted to Pedersen's potential.

The 21-year-old midfielder was restricted to a substitute's role against the Danes, but scored the opening goal in midweek when Norway's Under-21 side won 2-1 at home to Romania.

Pedersen, whose affairs are handled by controversial Danish agent Rune Hauge, has a growing reputation.

The left-sided schemer enjoyed a successful trial with Middlesbrough just over 18 months ago after a similar stint with Wimbledon when former Norway coach Egil Olsen was in charge.

And Manchester United, Leeds, Everton and Southampton, as well as French side Nantes and leading German clubs, have all taken a look at the Viking version of England captain Beckham.

Arsenal were represented at the Denmark game, but it is understood their interest centred on Viking Stavanger's £3m-rated midfielder Brede Paulsen Hangeland, who is also attracting the attention of Everton.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are awaiting the outcome of talks between Leeds manager Peter Reid and striker Michael Bridges before deciding whether to pursue the former Sunderland star.

Despite the fall-out that precipitated Bridges' £5m move from Sunderland four years ago, Reid wants the 24-year-old Tynesider to sign a new contract at Elland Road on his return from honeymoon next week.

Bridges still has to prove his fitness after a serious knee injury, but Newcastle are maintaining an interest and offered transfer-listed centre-back Nikos Dabizas in part exchange.

But with the Greek international facing extensive surgery in Athens after a near-fatal car crash left him with a badly broken arm as well as hand and facial injuries, there is little or no prospect of a deal.

Newcastle, however, are refusing to give up on Bridges even though they have joined the £9m chase for Paris St. Germain's Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho.

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