Newcastle "Braced For Bid" For Star Player

By Chris Waugh / July 29, 2015

Newcastle United are bracing themselves for bids from both Crystal Palace and Greek champions Olympiacos for their captain Fabricio Coloccini. The Daily Express claims that Olympiacos are set to offer £2.5 million for the Argentine centre-back, while various reports earlier in the week suggested Alan Pardew is looking to be reunited with his former skipper at Selhurst Park this summer. With the 33-year-old also having just one year remaining on his Newcastle contract, the Magpies could look to recoup a fee for the Argentine rather than risk losing him for free next summer - and their skipper is yet to play a minute of pre-season football, although that could change against York City on Wednesday night.

What€™s more, Newcastle are looking to bring in at least one centre-back this summer - with Anderlecht€™s Chancel Mbemba having agreed to join for £8 million, subject to a work permit - and so Coloccini€™s starting place could come under scrutiny on Tyneside. Pardew has already recruited his former Magpies midfielder Yohan Cabaye from Paris Saint-Germain for upwards of £10 million this summer and now he is looking to bring in another one of his ex-charges. Coloccini, who is currently struggling with an Achilles problem, signed for Newcastle for £10.3 million from Deportivo La Coruna back in 2008 and the 39-cap Argentina international has made 248 appearances for the Magpies, scoring six times. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.