TWENTY FIVE MILLION

Last updated : 22 July 2003 By editor

Newcastle have slapped a £25million price tag on England midfielder Kieron Dyer amid speculation that Chelsea and Manchester United are ready to test the water.

Reports over the weekend claimed that the Blues' billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a move for Dyer or teammate Jermaine Jenas, and with Sir Alex Ferguson looking to replace David Beckham, the Magpies are bracing themselves.

"We don't want to sell Kieron Dyer and we don't have to sell him," said a Newcastle source in Malaysia, where the club is taking part in the inagural FA Premier League Asia Cup, said today.

"But every player has his price.That price for Kieron Dyer is £25million, and it is only right that both Chelsea and Manchester United should know."