Wonderkid must choose between Villa & Newcastle

Newcastle United target Sam Vokes is putting all thoughts of a summer move to St James's Park to the back of his mind as he battles relegation with Bournemouth.
Newcastle's executive director (football) Dennis Wise has made contact with the League One club – managed by former United No.2 Kevin Bond – with a view to a £250,000 bid for the 18-year-old striker.
But with the Cherries in administration – and talks ongoing to safeguard the club's future – the deal is on hold, and a decision on Vokes's future will most likely be taken by Bournemouth's new owners, who may hold out for more cash.
"I have been told that clubs are interested in me, and with the administration it seems that I will be sold eventually," said Vokes, who will lead the line for Wales Under-21s against Bosnia in Sarajevo tonight.
"It has been a difficult season for us at Bournemouth, going into administration and ending up in the relegation zone with 10 points deducted has been tough.
"Everyone just has to keep their heads up and get on with the job. Getting docked 10 points is never easy and avoiding the drop will be tough, but it is still possible.
"I know that Newcastle have shown interest, the gaffer called me in and told me that, but I do not expect anything now until the summer, so my aim is to do my very best for Bournemouth and hope that we can get out of trouble."
However, Newcastle face competition from Aston Villa, among others, for the Southampton-born player, who has struck 11 goals for Bond's side so far this season.
Vokes has also been on target for the Under-21s, and he and his Wales team-mates have qualification for the European Championship finals in Sweden next summer in their sights, as two wins from their remaining three qualifiers would guarantee them a place in November's play-offs.
He added: "We can win this group. We have done really well.
"Maybe before, these Under-21 matches are looked at as stepping stones to the senior side, but it's more than that now.
"We can qualify, and that will be a massive boost for everyone, but to do that we have to win in Bosnia, which will not be easy, and we have two tough ones with Romania to end the group.
"I've scored 11 for Bournemouth, and that has got me noticed. And playing and scoring for Wales Under-21s has just underlined that."
The full article contains 426 words and appears in Sunderland Echo newspaper.
-
Last Updated:
26 March 2008 12:32 PM
-
Source:
Sunderland Echo
-
Location:
Sunderland