NEWCASTLE United and Sunderland figure heavily in today's top transfer speculation stories in the national press.
Newcastle striker Michael Owen could turn his back on English football and Japan could be a possible destination. (Daily Star)
Former Manchester United striker Alan Smith is wanted by Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate. Smith joined Newcastle for £6m in 2007. (Daily Mirror)
Sunderland manager Roy Keane will be given at least £50m to spend in the summer as he attempts to consolidate their place in the Premier League. (Telegraph)
> > Have you heard a transfer rumour? Click here to join our Football Forum and have your say on this story and read the other postsElsewhere, it is reported that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks certain to leave the club this summer, with either AC or Inter Milan his preferred destination. (The Times/The Sun)
However, Chelsea are poised to land Barcelona wonder kid Giovani dos Santos, who has been dubbed the new Ronaldinho. (The Sun)
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra is sweating on a new contract, with the Frenchman having only one year left on his current deal. (Sun)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has stepped in to try to broker a £15m move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. (Star)
Meanwhile, Tottenham could bid for Blackburn winger David Bentley, who would cost about £15m. (Sun)
Spurs are also lining up Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, with Paul Robinson moving in the opposite direction. (Daily Mail)
The White Hart Lane club are also keen on Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, who is also valued at £15m. (Daily Express)
And Tottenham are also said to be considering an approach from PSV Eindhoven for left-back Lee Young Pyo. (Times)
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is hopeful of signing Manchester City captain Richard Dunne for about £6m. (Daily Express)
Wigan boss Steve Bruce looks set to raid his old club for midfielder Olivier Kapo.(Sun)
Arsenal look to be closing in on £11m-rated Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa. (Independent)
Aston Villa are keen on Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes. (Mirror)
Portsmouth are lining up a £5m move for West Brom defender Ishmael Miller. (Mirror)
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