Bramble close to Newcastle switch

Ipswich Town FC defender Titus Bramble is on the verge of a move to Newcastle United FC after agreeing terms with the UEFA Champions League hopefuls.

Heel injury
The clubs have settled on a price for the England Under-21 centre-back, reported to be in the region of €9m, but the transfer will only be completed if the medical staff at St James' Park are satisfied that the 20-year-old has completely recovered from an operation on a heel injury which troubled him throughout Ipswich's relegation campaign last season.

Long-term admirer
Newcastle manager Bobby Robson, who led Ipswich to the UEFA Cup in 1981, has long been an admirer of Bramble, a powerful defender who graduated into the Portman Road first team aged 17 in December 1998.

European ambitions
Backed by one of the most vociferous crowds in English football, Newcastle finished fourth last season to secure a place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Viana in
Robson, determined to lead the side into the first group stage for the first time since the 1997/98 season, has already spent €12.4m on Portuguese youngster Hugo Viana and has promised more signings ahead of what could be another exciting season for Newcastle.