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Winger trial casts more doubt over Toon ace
Newcastle United, 16:37, January 12, 2009 ,
Joe Kinnear's strong hint that Peter Lovenkrands could secure a deal has cast fresh doubts on Charles N'Zogbia's time at Newcastle.
The Magpies chief has brought the 28-year-old Denmark international to St James' Park for a week-long trial on Monday following his release from German outfit Schalke 04. And, while the prospect of Lovenkrands winning a contract at the club is not guaranteed, the fact Kinnear rates the former Rangers man so highly is encouraging.
"I met Peter over lunch yesterday, and he started with us on a week- long trial today," he told the club's website
"He'll be with us all week, and then we can make a decision, but he's a player we're pleased to have with us, and one with a vast amount of experience to offer us.
"He's still a player who has so much to offer. Pace-wise, he has bags of it, and I think that he's the sort of player who will get fans off their seats.
"He's keen to join us, and still has the hunger to play well at the top level."
If Lovenkrands is offered a deal then it could pave the way for Aston Villa target, N'Zogbia, to leave the Magpies and possibly end the club's reported interest in Hearts' 21-year-old star Andrew Driver, who was watched in Sunday's 2-0 Edinburgh derby win at Hibernian.