Derby County defender Richard Keogh has been linked with a possible reunion with former boss Steve McClaren at Newcastle United this summer. The Express claim that the Magpies will look to bring in the 28-year-old centre-back for £4 million this summer, although they will face competition from West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland for his signature. However, a conflicting report in The Chronicle suggests that the Rams skipper is not even close to being top of the Magpies' shopping list as they look to recruit at least one experienced centre-back this summer. The seven-cap Republic of Ireland defender is experienced in the lower leagues but he has never appeared in the top flight. At 28, it is unlikely that Newcastle would be willing to sanction a move for a player with no real sell-on potential and who is unproven at Premier League level. What's more, the 6ft 2in centre-back suffered from fitness problems last season and made just nine appearances for McClaren at Derby during the 2014-15 campaign. Throughout his career, Keogh has played for Stoke City, Icelandic side Vikingur (loan), Bristol City, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Huddersfield Town (loan), Carlisle United, Cheltenham Town (loan), Coventry City and Derby - making a combined 382 appearances and scoring on 19 occasions. Instead of moving for Keogh, it is likely Newcastle will continue to pursue an interest in Schalke 04's Joel Matip, as well as Ajax's Joel Veltman. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
