Newcastle swap deal edges closer

Newcastle United striker Charles N'Zogbia is on the verge of sealing a switch to Wigan Athletic while Ryan Taylor is set to move in the other direction.

N'Zogbia is desperate to leave St James' Park after engaging in a public war of words with Magpies boss Joe Kinnear earlier this week.

The French midfielder claimed he would never play for Kinnear again after the veteran boss mis-pronounced his name several times during an interview.

Kinnear had mistakenly called the 22-year-old winger 'insomnia' following Wednesday's defeat at Manchester City.
"Sadly, this just smacks of a desperate attempt to engineer a move away from Newcastle United," said Kinnear.

"Okay, I got a little tongue-tied, but if I had a pound for every time I've mis-pronounced a player's name down the years, then I'd be a very wealthy man indeed.

"There have already been plenty of quotes attributed to Charles during January, saying he is interested in leaving for other club, but the truth is we haven't received a formal offer for him."

N'Zogbia, who claimed he was wanted by the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Lyon at the beginning of the month, had earlier said in a statement: "First of all I wish to apologise to the fans for wanting to leave the club.

"However, having been insulted by Joe Kinnear, I will never play for him again while he remains Newcastle manager.

"The club are aware there are offers on the table and they should accept one of them."