Newcastle lose out in chase for Victor Moses

Jan 31 2010 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

“I think £2.5 million is a snip for one of the best young players we’ve got.” Although the transfer window closes at 5pm on Monday, Newcastle have time to tie up a move for Vaughan, as loan deals are not subject to the deadline.

Meanwhile, Joey Barton has targeted the Championship clash with Coventry City on February 17 for his comeback from a far more serious injury than first thought.

Barton will return to training tomorrow after being out for more than four months with what was believed to be a broken metatarsal.

But his recovery has been delayed because the full diagnosis was that he had fractured what is known as the host bone in the foot, rather than just a single metatarsal.

l NOTORIOUS Toon flop Xisco has vowed to return to St James’ Park and prove himself in England.

Currently on a season-long loan with Racing Santander, Xisco has dismissed the prospect of making a permanent return to Spain at the end of the season.

“I’m very happy at Santander and playing with confidence, but I am tied to the Premier League and want to make a go of things there,” said the striker whose arrival at St James’ Park prompted Kevin Keegan’s departure.

“There is always time in the future to come back to Spain, but I would like to play several good seasons in the Premier League first.”