Magpies Chasing Warnock?

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Stephen Warnock of Blackburn Rovers battles with Chelsea's Florent Malouda at Ewood Park (PA)

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Newcastle United's Director of Football Dennis Wise has signaled his intention of ending the Magpies' ongoing difficulties on the left side of the back four by sending scouts to watch Stephen Warnock.

Newcastle scouts, Jeff Vetere and Lil Fuccillo, were both at Ewood Park during Blackburn's defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, while at the same time Newcastle's defence were enduring yet another torrid time in the disappointing draw at home to Wigan Athletic

The Magpies have tried to pry Warnock away from Blackburn before. Previous manager Kevin Keegan had said before he went away for his summer break that left-back was a problem position for the Toon, and made inquiries about Warnock.

Rovers' new boss Paul Ince dug his heels in then though and refused to let the player leave.

Newcastle are now paying for Ince's stubborness, as the only recognised left-back at the club is Jose Enrique, a Sam Allardyce signing who has in no way lived up to his £5.8 million price tag.

Following the game against Wigan, the Prozone stats for the Spaniard made depressing reading: of Enrique’s 52 passes, 24 were misplaced, and of his 88 touches only eight were deemed to be positive.

However, should Newcastle decide to go for Warnock, they are likely to face stiff competition from Manchester City, who are equally desperate for a left-back.

Warnock began his career at Liverpool, making 67 appearances for the Anfield club and also spending successful loan spells at Bradford City and Coventry City whilst with them. He moved to Blackburn in 2007, and has won one England cap, coming on as a substitute in last summer's friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com