Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce could be ready to make an audacious bid to persuade Gabriel Heinze to swap Old Trafford for St James' Park.

Allardyce, backed by new Magpies owner Mike Ashley, is considering a move for the 29-year-old Manchester United defender, who is considering his future.

However, he would face stiff competition for the Argentina international, who was last week linked with United's north-west rivals Liverpool, with continental giants Real Madrid, AC Milan and Barcelona also keeping tabs on him.

Allardyce has made the recruitment of a left-back a major priority after landing striker Mark Viduka, midfielders Joey Barton and Geremi and central defender David Rozehnal.

Deputy chairman Chris Mort last week revealed there is money in the kitty for further acquisitions and forecast "a couple" more signings.

The Magpies have privately played down speculation linking them with Barcelona midfielder Deco and Real Madrid star Raul, although their interest in Heinze is more concrete.

The former Paris St Germain defender, who cost United £6.9million in July 2004, found himself in direct competition with France international Patrice Evra last season.

There have been rumours since that the player is less than settled and could exercise his right to buy himself out of his contract at Old Trafford.

Where Liverpool's hopes of luring the South American to Anfield may be scuppered by the rivalry between the two clubs, Newcastle have done business with United on several occasions during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign.

Keith Gillespie and Nicky Butt have both crossed the Pennines for St James' while Giuseppe Rossi spent three months on loan on Tyneside last season, although Ferguson was less than impressed with his lack of senior football.

Heinze, who played for his country in their 4-0 Copa America victory over Peru in Venezuela, will seek assurances over his future on his return, although he has previously hinted he could leave the Premier League champions if the right offer came along.

For all Newcastle would face a monumental battle to capture the player should he become available, Allardyce had a commendable record for attracting impressive signings to Bolton with the likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Fernando Hierro and Nicolas Anelka all heading for the Reebok Stadium during his reign.

He has already admitted he has benefited from greater pulling power since taking over from Glenn Roeder at Newcastle, although just how far that extends remains to be seen.

Defender Steven Taylor, however, is confident the manager's track record will serve the club well.

He said: "You have to respect Sam after the big names he signed at Bolton.

"Some of the players he attracted had Champions League winners' medals and title medals.

"There is no reason why he won't do that at Newcastle United.

"Not only will he attract top players, but he will get the respect - he already has the respect of the players here."

Taylor is currently recovering from the ankle injury he suffered during England's European Under-21 Championship campaign as his team-mates approach the end of their pre-season training camp in Austria.

The 21-year-old is relishing the task of developing his game under Allardyce and is confident the new manager will help restore the reputation of St James' as a fortress.

He said: "We would like to be hated - people hated Bolton for the way they played, and I would be happy with that. It has been successful the way they have been playing.

"I think one thing we need to bring up here is to make everyone hate coming to St James' Park.

"We need to make it a horrible place to come to now."