North-West duo bids on way

Wigan and Bolton have been alerted to the chance of signing Newcastle United skipper Nicky Butt on the cheap in January.

The former Man Utd star, 33, will be out of contract in the summer and could be allowed to walk out of St James' Park on a free with the club dragging their heels over new deal negotiations amid all the takeover talks.

Butt is believed to be desperate to sort out his future and is aware that there is interest from the two north-west rivals ahead of the winter transfer window.

Butt spent a season on loan at Birmingham City when his ex-Old Trafford team-mate Steve Bruce was in charge at St Andrew's, but left after Bruce picked his son over the former England midfielder.

Bolton boss Gary Megson is also a fan and wants to add experience to the young legs he has already brought tinto the Trotters midfield.

However, Joe Kinnear does not want to lose him for a modest fee of £500,000, his current valuation so close to the end of his contract, and is ready to press for Newcastle to offer him at least a one-year extension.

Butt has been one of Newcastle's most influential players in recent seasons and has won over the St James' Park fans after a shaky start.