IcNewcastle are now linking us to David Prutton from Forest as a summer buy. They claim he's available for around $5mil. Supposed to be another promising young midfielder. Anyone know anything about him?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Answers

Ciara, One of Tre`s starlets from start of season, tall , rangy ,young

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Yep, Prutton is great, try also Keith Andrew at Wolves. Both are drivers rather than having craft.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Prutton is highly rated and may turn out to be a poor man's Michael Carrick. Untried at Premiership level and perhaps a bit too young to carry the dominant midfielder role that we really need.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Here's what IC Newc have to say about it all. Also a bit about Jason Koumas.

Newcastle United are expected to firm up their interest in Nottingham Forest whizz-kid David Prutton in the summer.

The England Under-21 international has been tracked by United for almost 18 months since he first burst onto the scene with the Midland side.

The six-footer has been likened to Roy Keane, who also made his name at Forest, and is an all-action, hard-running midfielder.

The 19-year-old is highly-rated by his boss David Platt who would prefer to keep hold of one of his prize assets, but Forest are known to be short of cash, especially after signing David Johnson from Ipswich earlier this year for £3million.

The word in the Midlands is that the only way Platt can balance the books is to sell Prutton, who will cost around £4-5million if Newcastle are to make a bid.

Newcastle's director of football Gordon Milne has checked on the progress of the youngster several times this season, but would face competition from the likes of Chelsea and Middlesbrough for his signature.

The Hull-born player, who can also play in the heart of the defence, has been booked nine times already this season, as well as receiving a red card for two further bookable offences against Crewe on Boxing Day.

He has made 63 starts for Forest since his debut against Bristol City 10 days after his 18th birthday in September 1999 and has been tied down on a contract at the City Ground until 2004.

Prutton is a massive favourite with the Nottingham faithful who would be loathe to see the talented teenager sold.

Meanwhile, United have also been linked with a move for Inter Milan striker Hakan Suker as the transfer rumour mill hots up thanks to Douglas Hall's claim that Robson has money to spend.

The Turkish international made his name with Galatasary - helping them to an UEFA Cup triumph - before moving to Inter in the summer.

The powerful frontman has been unable to settle at the Italian giants, but if Newcastle were interested in him he would cost upward of £12million.

Other players linked with a move to Tyneside this week include Tranmere's Jason Koumas, Laurent Robert of Paris St Germain and Barcelona duo Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

If we are going to bid for Prutton and Koumas, I hope we are doing so now. If the clubs are going to sell they will sell now.

In the summer clubs like Forest will egt compensation for players like Prutton and I imagine that will be nowhere near the quoted £5mill. So why not get in there with a £3mill bid, chucking in Serrant and Hamilton and Bob's your uncle or manager?

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

In that case, FS will probably not give out the money cause we could get him cheaper in the summer.....once Liverpool/Arse/ManU/Leeds(pick any one) entice Prutton away. *sigh*

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Hopefully while they are all chasing Barry Ferguson we can nip in for Prutton.

Only downside is his age, but hey look at Carrick!

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Seeing as Forest are one of my clients I've seen the lad play a couple of times this year.

Prutton is a class player, big, strong, great vision and passing. He's the closest thing I've seen to Gazza's (good) qualities but he's twice the size.

I was most dissapointed when we didn't get him last year. Platt turned down our £3m offer according to the Nottingham Evening Post. Let's hope they don't get promoted and we go back in for him as he's said he's hungry for Premiership football.

I'd also like us to get Riggott from Derby. My lass id a Ram (oooer) and I've been to see them a few times this season and he's class. OK he's got a bit to learn but he's as good a Aaron Hugues at his age I'd say.

Christie and Johnson are two good young players too, and English.

This scouting milarkee is easy! I can't understand how Wadsworth keeps getting it wrong?! ;O)

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001