Newcastle United headed for SA

Johannesburg - Newcastle United could be heading to South Africa to take part in the Vodacom Challenge with negotiations reportedly at an "advance stage" say reports.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have previously taken part in the pre-season tournament that pits a Premier League team against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

"Negotiations are at an advanced stage between the organisers and management of Newcastle United. I think an announcement will be made in a few days' time," said a report in the Sowetan.

The unnamed source continued: "The organisers are also toying with the idea of getting Tottenham Hotspur back in the tournament because they are going back to its original format of four clubs, but the appearance fees asked by the English teams are massive.

"There is also a possibility that we could also see Mamelodi Sundowns participating for the first time since the inception of this tournament. You have to remember that this tournament has nothing to do with Chiefs and Pirates being sponsored by Vodacom.

"The cellular phone company are sponsors of the tournament, which is owned by SAIL. If Vodacom had decided not to renew its contract, SAIL would have looked for a new company to sponsor it.

"Vodacom re-committed itself to the tournament last week after the previous contract expired last year." 

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