OPINION
Nikos Dabizas was always a bit of a cult hero on Tyneside.
The Greek scored a derby day winner against Sunderland back in 2002, and will forever be written into the annals of Premier League history as the man who got turned inside out by Dennis Bergkamp for one of the most memorable goals the top division has ever seen.
The former defender is now the technical director of Greek giants Panthanaikos, and according to the Chronicle, he could be eyeing up the Toon Army for a raid this summer.
Dabizas was in the crowd for the Magpies’ U23s Premier League 2 play-off final defeat to Southampton on Monday night, and it is understood that he was running the rule over a number of Toon youngsters.
That could either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.
On the one hand, if Dabizas is looking to take players on loan, given his relationship with the Toon Army, this could be the beginning of a good rapport between the two clubs.
Having an overseas outlet to blood young talent could be a great way for the Magpies to develop young players on the cusp of the first team.
On the other hand, if Dabizas is looking for permanent deals, perhaps United should be worried.
With a growing trend for young British players to go and ply their trade abroad, and with first team football looking a whole lot more likely in the Greek league.
Dabizas could be looking to steal away some of the Toon Army’s brightest young prospects.
