By Chris O'Brien
March 31 2005

England international Alan Smith has been linked with an unlikely move to Newcastle United over the summer. The versatile forward has had only limited first-team chances at Old Trafford, and would get more opportunities to impress with the Magpies.

Newcastle United are said to be interested in bringing United forward Alan Smith to St.James' Park, despite the former Leeds star only having made the move over the Pennines last summer. Smith has found first-team opportunities limited due to huge competition for places and a handful of niggling injuries and would be guaranteed more first-team football under Graeme Souness.

A public ABU, Smith's move to United caused controversy from supporters of both camps. Leeds fans were angered that Smith joined the club's arch-rivals, whilst Red Devils supporters questioned his commitments to the F.A Cup holders after previous comments about the club to the press. However, Smith has quickly become a fan favourite with a string of passionate performances and his versatility is fast becoming an asset.

Smith scored on his Manchester United debut in the 3-1 Community Shield loss at the hands of Arsenal after the £7,000,000 move from South Yorkshire. He has 9 goals to his game in all competitions despite minimal senior team matches and the England international has made it public that sitting behind Wayne Rooney, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha in the pecking order is frustrating. The return of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for next season will not help his case either.

Despite speculation, Smith's agent Alex Black gave brief comment insisting that Smith is happy with life at Old Trafford and squashed all rumours linking his client with a move to the North East.

"I don't think Alan's position has changed at all.” he said. "Everything is fine with Alan and he is happy at United. There are no problems. “

"There has been speculation about Newcastle, but nobody has spoken to us about that."