NEWCASTLE are believed to be mounting a challenge to Premiership rivals Coventry for Honduras defender Milton Jocon Reyes.

Magpies chief scout Charlie Woods watched Honduras' 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Jamaica - and Reyes is understood to have prompted his visit.

The 26-year-old is high on the wanted list of Coventry boss Gordon Strachan, but reports suggest Newcastle could now scupper the Sky Blues' move.

Reyes, whose full name is Milton Alexander Reyes Galeas, has 29 caps and plays for Motagua.

Meanwhile, Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has issued a hands-off Michael Bridges warning to Newcastle.

The former Sunderland striker, Leeds' leading scorer last season with 21 goals, has lost his place after a barren start this term.

Mark Viduka and Alan Smith are forging a fruitful frontline partnership at Elland Road and Bridges' recent demotion to the bench has alerted the Magpies, who are keeping tabs on the situation.

But Ridsdale insists North Shields-born Bridges, 22, remains a key man in David O'Leary's squad.

Manager O'Leary lured Bridges from Sunderland in a £5m deal in the summer of last year, and Ridsdale stressed: "Michael is a highly-valued member of the squad and he's going nowhere.''

Newcastle could have five players available after injury for Monday's derby at Middlesbrough.

Centre-backs Alain Goma (broken nose) and Marcelino (finger) are fit, while full-back Andy Griffin (back), winger Stephen Glass (calf) and midfielder Cristian Bassedas (broken foot), are also in contention.

Glass and Bassedas, however, are both short of match fitness.

Full-back Warren Barton (groin) is still out along with striker Carl Cort (hamstring).

Reserve centre-half David Beharall is eyeing a spell on loan to build up his fitness after long-term injury problems.