Might as well get it started: http://www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk...rds_legal_battle_receives_premier_backing.php "It is understood Newcastle have asked Standard Liege to extend the deadline for a decision on American defender Oguchi Onyewu until later today. But, with a fee already agreed for Onyewu, it is unlikely that Newcastle will pay the sum being demanded and will pursue other targets, such as Wes Brown, Anton Ferdinand and Curtis Davies."
http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/...objectid=18932710&siteid=50081-name_page.html "Should Roeder decide not to award the defender the contract he craves, Onyewu could find himself in an awkward situation at Standard, where next season's plans have been drawn up without him in mind."
Seems kind of strange to ask for an extention if you have no interest whatsoever. Reading between lines, I reckon there is some interest but maybe at a lower price. They'll let it lapse, and see how it does rest of way (and maybe place a lower bid, if he does well) Onyewu won't be in awkward situation at Standard next year- he'll have a job at as good a level (and likely much better) come next fall.