Daily Mail Toon transfer exclusive way off the mark

Last updated : 24 October 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Where's Tyneside?
Only one problem – it’s not true.

Upson has not trained with Newcastle and has not spoken to the club with regard to a move.

The defender is currently on-loan at Reading and their assistant manager Kevin Dillon said: "Matthew has not missed a day's training with us since he arrived. I don't know where this story started, but he is here for three months, although he has been playing well so maybe scouts are watching him."

Upson himself said: "I've not heard anything from Newcastle and these type of rumours are quite frequent. I've come to Reading to get my fitness and ideally get back in the Arsenal team, so at the moment I'm concentrating on playing for Reading then going back and seeing what happens."

Bit of a relief really. Upson is a good player but would not improve our squad.

He’s even behind Igor Stepanovs in the Highbury pecking order!

The other big rumour of the week involves a bid for Norwich’s Darren Kenton, but there appears to be no truth in this either.

Kenton is top quality though and would be a useful addition long term, but surely the priority in January is to sign an experienced defender who could slot straight in.

Who should we sign in January? – have your say