Magpies remain in Ebondo talks

Toulouse increase asking price for right-back to £3million

Last updated: 29th January 2009  

Magpies remain in Ebondo talks

Ebondo: Increased price

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Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has revealed that Albin Ebondo's arrival at St James Park has been delayed because Toulouse have increased their asking price to £3million.

Kinnear has been chasing the 24-year-old, who has told skysports.com that he dreams of a move to the Premier League, for a fortnight as he looks to reinforce his struggling squad.

Newcastle officials remain locked in negotiations with Toulouse after the Ligue 1 outfit upped their demands from £2.5million and Ebondo's expected medical in the North East, which was scheduled for Wednesday evening, has been postponed.

Kinnear - who is also in a battle to keep hold of goalkeeper Shay Given as Manchester City circle - remains optimistic that the right-back will still move to England, but he recognises that the deal is not certain.

"I still think Ebondo will come. I was supposed to have it done four days ago," he told the Newcastle Chronicle. "Hopefully he will come and join us.

"Ebondo was due to come in on Wednesday night from France. But we're still tied up in negotiations.

"The original price was £2.5million but they moved the goalposts and it's now £3million. We are still out in France negotiating.

"It's been two weeks now, so we have to wait and see."