Defenders A Priority - Says Roeder

The 32-year-old was supposedly "too old" last summer, but Roeder has had a rethink. And with Portsmouth eyeing Titus Bramble, there could be a switch between St James' Park and Fratton Park with the players swapping clubs.

According to The Journal, Roeder is also tracking Hyypia, who has fallen out of favour at Liverpool and is looking for a new club. The Finnish international was once on trial at Newcastle when Kevin Keegan was the gaffa, but United failed to take up the option on him. Newcastle's loss ... Liverpool's gain.

Obviously at 32 and 33, the pair have plenty of top-level experience, something Roeder believes will help the development of his young defenders like Steven Taylor, Peter Ramage, Paul Huntington and David Edgar.