Newcastle United have joined English Premiership rivals Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers in trying to sign Argentine international Javier Saviola. Striker Saviola was told by FC Barcelona´s technical secretary Txiki Begiristain and Barca coach Frank Rijkaard that he has no place in the first team squad of the Champions League winners.
Panathinaikos have also made an offer, while former Barca captain Ronald Koeman, who is currently managing PSV Eindhoven is also very interested.


Saviola´s priority is still Spain, but the most interesting offers so far are from the Premiership and Greece. But Saviola´s agent Alfredo Cabrera Brizuela has confirmed that besides the existing interest from Arsenal and Bolton, another Premiership club has joined the race. It is thought to be Newcastle United, as manager Glenn Roeder looks to add a more creative forward to his squad.


Cabrera told the Sun: "There are three English teams interested in Saviola and that's why I am in London. I already had meetings with officials of Panathinaikos and PSV Eindhoven, and now I have to listen to what the English teams want to offer. Despite all this, if we don't reach an agreement with any team before July 17, Saviola will present himself at Barcelona for the pre-season work as his transfer belongs to that club."


But Cabrera admitted Javier Saviola himself fancies Arsenal over all other existing offers: "He will make his decision based on football and that points to the Gunners. He will have no problem playing in England because he is a world-class player and will be successful in any country. This week is very important because he wants to have a holiday knowing he has his future sorted out."


Javier Saviola’s contract with FC Barcelona expires in 2007 and it had been reported that FC Barcelona put a price tag of € 6 mill. on the Argentine international .