Newcastle United have slapped in a £5m bid for Celtic's man mountain central defender Bobo Balde.
Balde is 6ft 3in and just the sort of player Sir Bobby Robson needs to shore up his defence as United set their sights on repairing the damage their poor start to the season has caused.
He joined Celtic from Toulouse on a free transfer three years ago and United are aware that he is out of contract at the end of the season.
However, I am told that United need not build up their hopes on this score too much because there are several players in the same boat at Parkhead, including striker John Hartson.
This situation has come about because manager Martin O'Neill has been given some compassionate leave as his wife has been ill.
The word from Glasgow today was that Balde, a French-born Guinea international, is such a cult figure at Parkhead that there is no way Celtic can let him go.
Balde has not been told of United's bid because Celtic wanted him completely focused on the little matter of the first Old Firm derby of the season at Parkhead today against Rangers.
Obviously, Celtic can give Balde what United cannot - Champions League football.
And the tough-tackling defender may feel that he owes Celtic something on this score, because he gave away the penalty against Lyon in France last year which saw the Scottish giants go out of the competition.
Meanwhile, the Wayne Rooney situation remained up in the air today as the three teams involved - Everton, United and Manchester United - turned their attention to their Premiership matches.
The Chronicle revealed in later editions yesterday that Rooney has asked for a transfer - and that he had said he would be willing to come to St James' Park.
Everton supremo Bill Kenwright had insisted that his manager David Moyes has the last say - and what he did say was: "We had no intention of selling Wayne Rooney but he has put in a transfer request and we will have to look at it.
"But he is still an Everton player and that's what he will remain until we receive what we feel he is worth."
The transfer deadline closes at midnight on Tuesday.
