Newcastle United have seen a £5 million bid for Sylvain Distin rejected.
Newcastle United have seen a £5 million bid for Sylvain Distin rejected by Manchester City.Magpies boss Graeme Souness has already taken Jean-Alain Boumsong and Celestine Babayaro to St James' Park but appears keen to further bolster his backline.
Souness is reportedly also holding talks with Bayern Munich stopper Samuel Kuffour, and may now choose to step up his efforts to land the Ghanaian following the knock-back from City.
Distin enjoyed a successful loan spell at Newcastle during the 2001/2002 season - making 35 appearances - before moving to City.
However, Kevin Keegan has insisted that he does not want to sell his skipper, and City have now backed his stance.
"I can confirm that Newcastle have made a formal approach for Sylvain Distin with a bid in the region of £5 million," City communications chief Paul Tyrrell told the club's official website.
"We have rejected the bid as Sylvain is not for sale. He has three and a half years left on his current contract and is staying here."
