Newcastle failed with bid for Real Madrid's Van Nistelrooy

Newcastle United attempted to sensationally bring Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy back to England.

The Sunday Sun says sources in Spain last night confirmed that Newcastle approached both Van Nistelrooy and Real Madrid in an attempt to land the Dutch striker following the Euro 2008 finals.

But with their recruitment duo of Jeff Vetere and Tony Jimenez being told that there was no chance of a deal, Newcastle became one of five clubs in England and Italy to make a thwarted approach for Van Nistelrooy this summer.