FEYENOORD have revealed Newcastle's interest in Brett Emerton had gone so cold that five Premiership rivals were considered more serious candidates to sign the Australia midfielder.
It was claimed yesterday that Newcastle were weighing up whether to revive their move for Emerton, even though he was heading for face-to-face talks with Blackburn boss Graeme Souness after Feyenoord agreed a fee of around £3m.
The Rotterdam giants confirmed that Middlesbrough and Manchester City had been Rovers' chief rivals and that Newcastle were also interested.
But they disclosed that Leeds and Southampton were rated stronger contenders than the Magpies in the chase for Emerton.
A source close to Feyenoord last night told Northern Echo SPORT: "Emerton has gone directly to Blackburn and has not reported for the start of pre-season training here.
"Feyenoord say Middlesbrough and Manchester City were interested and also Newcastle.
"But there was no way Newcastle were going to pay four-and-a-half million euros for Emerton.
"Even Leeds and Southampton were more serious about Emerton.''
Aston Villa, managed by former Leeds boss David O'Leary, and Tottenham were also strongly linked with Emerton.
As revealed in Northern Echo SPORT a month ago, Newcastle were given permission by Feyenoord to speak to Emerton despite the fact a fee had not been agreed.
Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd was expected to fly to Australia for talks with Emerton after the player's return from honeymoon.
But Blackburn were last night in pole position to land the 24-year-old, who has been assured by Souness that he would be used in his favoured wide-right role, rather than at full-back.
Meanwhile, Newcastle trio Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer and Gary Speed have been given the all-clear after recovering from end-of-season injuries.
Shearer and Speed missed the climax to the campaign with a chipped ankle bone and groin trouble respectively, while Dyer was ruled out of England duty after aggravating shin problems in the final game of the season at West Brom.
United's fitness coach, Paul Winsper, said: "Kieron Dyer has been told to rest, but he's naturally fit anyway.
"Gary Speed has been training hard over the summer and is a great example to the young players. He always trains through the summer and enjoys the fitness work.
"I've now got Alan Shearer for fitness work, so we have a full squad to work with."
Newcastle open their pre-season programme on July 24 against Birmingham in Kuala Lumpur in the Asia Cup.
* Newcastle midfielder Darren Ambrose has been named in the England under-19 squad for this month's UEFA Championships. The tournament takes place from July 16-26.
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