J J in a Jam - Souey admits Jenas frustration

Arsene Wenger still needs another central midfielder to replace his former skipper Patrick Vieira and with Jenas murmuring rumors of discontent at St. James Park now may be the perfect time for the Gunners Boss to make a move. Wenger has expressed a interest in the midfielder but was thought to have been put off by Souness slapping a whopping 20 million pound price tag on the former Nottingham Forest star. But with the latest comments made by Souness, a move may now be more likely. Jenas was quoted by Souness as being unhappy, with Souness saying :

"...JJ feels that it is like living in a goldfish bowl being a United player in Newcastle and that is the biggest problem."

The comments may well come as welcome news to Manchester United who are also in the market for a defensive minded midfielder to replace the ever aging warhorse Roy Keane. Although Ferguson has never expressed any clear interest in Jenas, the Newcastle star has always performed well against the Red Devils and Jenas was one of the few positives to come out of a 6-2 mauling United gave Newcastle in 2003 - Jenas opened the scoring with a spectacular 25 yard goal. Furthermore, a move for Jenas would make even more sense for Fergie, especially considering the departure of utility man Phil Neville to Everton (which was confirmed yesterday), and the seemingly inevitable exit of Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson from Old Trafford.

Whatever the outcome it seems more and more like Souness' man management skills have been found wanting yet again. With the sales of star players like Craig Bellamy, Laurent Robert, and Andy O'Brien in the past 12 months, Souness chances of winning over the Newcastle faithful this year are looking less and less likely. Throw in a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Deportivo La Coruna to culminate an embarrassing 13th place finish last season, and Souness' time at St James Park could be winding down to the result of a tricky opening day test away at FA Cup winners Arsenal.