Transfer rumours

Real Madrid star wants Newcastle move

The ex-Arsenal Brazilian midfielder, Julio Baptista, is keen on a move back to the Premiership with Newcastle United.

The ex-Arsenal Brazilian midfielder, Julio Baptista, is keen on a move back to the Premiership with Newcastle United.

Kevin Keegan is looking very short in the midfield department since Emre and David Rozenhal have left this summer, and the club have lost patience with the incarcerated Joey Barton.

Baptista is looking for a return to England as he has lost his place at the Bernabeau and is desperate for first team football again, and with his experience at Arsenal and Real Madrid would be a useful addition to Kevin Keegan's thin-looking squad.

The attacking midfielder previously known as "The Beast of Seville" would give a bit of strength to fill Barton's role, and talks are expected to begin next week.