"A third Newcastle target is James Beattie of Southampton and initial discussions are said to have been fruitful. The fee may be as high as £7m for Beattie and the Saints are considering purchasing Crewe Alexandra's Dean Ashton as a replacement"
Deano has already been in the limelight of speculation this summer. The 22 goal striker, and England U-21 premier striker, was thought to be subject of a £2million bid from Crystal Palace in June. That was denied by both clubs and it fell silent soon after.
Whether this rumour is true or not, fans know it's something we'll have to deal with after being the wonder kid of his time it's expected of the media to jump back onto the Ashton rumours following his magnificent season of 2003-2004.
Ashton was subject of a Arsenal bid when he was just 17, it was turned down. He has also been linked with Liverpool, Newcastle, Juventus (After a few drinks), Chelsea and Aston Villa in his five year professional career at Crewe. He has two years remaining on his current contract.