Newcastle linked with Stam swoop

Last updated : 28 April 2002 By Luke Thornhill
Newcastle manager
Stone Cold Steve Austin, sorry, Jaap Stam
Bobby Robson has already stated that he will buy a new central defender this summer, sparking speculation Nikos Dabizas could be on his way to West Ham United, and Stam could be the ideal man.

Stam's current club Lazio are heavily in debt, and may be willing to listen to offers for the 29-year-old Dutch defender.

The player himself has previously said that he would never return to the Premiership, but with his time in Serie A dogged by drug allegations and bans he may be willing to reconsider.

He left Old Trafford after controversial comments in his autobiography led to a bust up with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and he was promptly shipped out to Rome.

He has only recently returned from a four month ban after testing positive for the banned substance nandrolone.

Whether or not the speculation proves true, there is no doubt that he would prove a welcome addition to the squad which will face the testing prospect of Champions League football next season.