Obertan open to January move; Kjetil Haug enjoyed Man Utd trial

Newcastle United winger Gabriel Obertan has revealed he may consider a move away from Tyneside during the January transfer window, The Shields Gazette understands.

Obertan, who joined Newcastle from Manchester United for a reported fee of £3 million in August 2011, has made just one appearance — a 20-minute cameo against Leeds United in the Capital One Cup — in all competitions for the Magpies this season.

The former France youth international, 24, is currently behind the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Loïc Rémy (on loan from Queens Park Rangers), Sammy Ameobi, Sylvain Marveaux and Yoan Gouffran in the pecking order at St James’ Park.

The 24-year-old’s first-team opportunities have been few and far between due to the dazzling form of the aforementioned Ben Arfa and Rémy.

The in-form duo have scored seven of the Magpies’ nine Premier League goals in 2013/14.

When asked whether he would consider a loan move, Obertan told the Gazette: “Everything is possible.

“I will see what’s going on until December, and I’ll see what’s best for me and the club.

“I can’t obviously keep on being on the bench and not being involved. I’ll see what’s best for the club and me.

“But if I get a chance, I will do what I did against Leeds. If the occasion shows up, I’ll be there.”

Since arriving at St James’ Park in the summer of 2011, the 24-year-old winger has tallied two goals and eight assists in 58 first-team appearances for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle United will host Liverpool on Matchday 8 in English Premier League on Saturday, 19 October.

Newcastle (16/5); Liverpool (5/6); Draw (5/2)

Kjetil Haug enjoyed Man Utd trial

Norwegian starlet Kjetil Haug is flattered to have been likened to Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel after enjoying a recent trial with the English champions, according to Sky Sports.

Haug, 15, is also reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City.

“It’s quite special to be compared to one of the best keepers in the world ever,” said Haug. “But it is of course great and I am really honoured. He is one of my biggest role models.

“I’ll be careful not to say too much about the similarities between us, but there are some. I have a physical style to my play as did Schmeichel. But there is obviously a long way to go before I get on his level.”

The 15-year-old shot-stopper went on to reveal that he received good advice from 2009 Denmark and Norway Goalkeeper of the Year Anders Lindegaard, who joined United from Tippeligaen side Aalesunds FK in 2010, while on trial at Carrington.