Riise quiet on Toon talk

Defender refuses to comment on Newcastle speculation

By Eivind Haugen   Last updated: 18th March 2008

John Arne Riise Liverpool v Newcastle

Riise: Possible Keegan target

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Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has refused to comment on speculation linking him with a summer move to Newcastle, according to the player's representative.

The Norwegian international, who is also capable of playing in midfield, has fallen out of favour at Anfield this season with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez preferring the pairing of Fabio Aurelio and Ryan Babel on the Reds' left-hand side.

However, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is rumoured to be an admirer of Riise, who joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2001 for £4.6million.

Keegan is understood to be keen to bolster his shaky defence in the summer after shipping 57 goals so far this term.

However, Riise's representative - Jan Kvalheim - insists the 27-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Aston Villa, will not add weight to the speculation.

"This is just speculation and John Arne will not comment on this," Kvalheim told the Dagbladet website.