The Daily Mirror is reporting that Newcastle have decided not to sign Wigan star Charles N’Zogbia, leaving Liverpool in 'pole position' to chase the star.
N’Zogbia was poised for a return to Newcastle, with Alan Pardew preparing to pay the £12 million Wigan demanded for the winger.
But after signing Liverpool midfield target Sylvian Marveaux last week, Newcastle have reportedly decided that they won’t be needing N’Zogbia’s services, and Alan Pardew feels the star made too many personal demands on his contract.
Liverpool were front runners to secure N’Zogbia’s signature anyway, but with Newcastle out of the mix the Merseyside club will be hoping to have the deal wrapped up with France international as soon as possible.
Today Wigan chairman Dave Whelan insisted that N’Zogbia wouldn’t be making a move away from the club on the cheap.
"I do think he will go this summer, but we want the right price before we allow that to happen," Whelan said.
"We have a fee in mind that we want, and we are fighting to get that fee.
"There's been an awful lot of interest in Charles. We've had three or four clubs biting, wanting to be kept in the know.
"There's been no official bids yet, and I think it'll be another week to 10 days before things get as serious as that.
"But he's worth a hell of a lot more than the fee we're asking.
"Whichever club gets Charles will be getting a great player for far less than what he is actually worth."
