Owls reject Newsome bid

The Owls are believed to want £2 million for the former Leeds United player who is currently on loan with City's First Division rivals Bolton.

With two central defenders, John Dreyer and Ashley Westwood injured, manager Paul Jewell moved in to try to sign the experienced 28-year-old.

He tabled a bid only just less than the record £1.3 million fee City paid Arsenal for striker Isaiah Rankin in the summer.

Jewell said: "I think we have offered more than a fair price for the player, but their valuation is considerably more than that.

"There is no panic here, but we have a couple of injuries to central defenders along with Stephen Wright who is just coming back from injury so that leaves a bit short in that part of the team.

"I was disappointed with the goals we conceded against QPR and we are always looking to improve.

"Jon Newsome is an experienced player and he is doing well with Bolton who have not conceded a goal in their last three matches."

Newsome started his career as a youngster at Wednesday before joining Leeds where he was a member of their 1992 League championship winning team.

He later moved on to Norwich before re-joining the Hillsborough club when David Pleat was manager.

There was brighter news for Jewell last night when Scottish international right back Wright played for the reserves in their 3-0 defeat at Wrexham last night.

It was his first game for ten weeks after suffering a knee injury. Craig Ramage also made his return after a similar absence.

Ramage played for a full 90 minutes, but Wright had to leave the field before the end with stiffness in his knee.

Jewell was happy to see the players back in action, but described the result as 'very disappointing.'

Jewell used the match to give a trial midfield man Luke Staton and winger Lee Fitzpatrick who are being released by Blackburn Rovers.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.