Fulham have told a cluster of big clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle, who are interested in Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan to come up with £5million.

Arsenal see the adventurous Finnan as replacement for Lee Dixon while Newcastle boss Bobby Robson would move if he had the funds.

It appears that Newcastle are tempted to cash in on England player Kieron Dyer, with Finnan the immediate target to help fill the void.

Dyer, who would cost a British record £20m, has been ordered to knuckle down and concentrate on his football after a number of off-field antics.

But frustrated by the lack of available transfer funds, Robson might be ready to sacrifice Dyer, who is wanted by Leeds and a number of Italian sides.

Robson is hoping that the opening of the Spanish transfer window will help him offload £5m misfit defender Marcelino.

Arsenal have been tracking Finnan but Fulham want to keep the hard-running Irishman.

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