Newcastle target O'Brien - March 14, 2001
It was only a matter of time before the vultures descended for Andy O'Brien, relegation-doomed Bradford's prize remaining asset - and Newcastle United are first in the queue.
Central defender O'Brien - in Don Givens' Ireland u21 squad for this month's games against Cyprus and Andorra and on the verge of a senior call-up - has been ever present for the Bantams since his return from a serious shoulder injury in November.
Newcastle have offloaded two centre backs this term - Laurent Charvet and, the other day, Alain Goma - and they need a replacement before Thursday's transfer deadline.
The Magpies have watched O'Brien several times this season and will table a £1.5 million bid within the next two days. If Bradford turn them down, Newcastle may throw in out-of-favour winger Stephen Glass as an extra inducement.
The Irishman could be a Newcastle player in time to face his old Bradford team-mates at the end of March!