Big friendly against Gers is called off.

Byline: By LEE RYDER

NEWCASTLE United's friendly against Rangers on August 6 has been scrapped after the Ibrox club saw their treble dreams disintegrate at the hands of Celtic last night.

Walter Smith's side now face a Champions League second qualifying round second-leg tie on either August 5 or 6 instead, meaning the friendly is no longer viable.

The high-profile fixture was one of the highlights of United's pre-season calendar, but Toon officials knew that the game would never be rubberstamped until the SPL season was complete.

And United have alternative arrangements in the pipeline.

Newcastle were still finalising plans today, although a mouthwatering first-team friendly with Valencia at Gallowgate still looks destined to go ahead.

This game is set for Saturday, August 9, with kick-off time to be confirmed, while there are three friendly dates set against local opposition.

Newcastle are scheduled to send an XI to Bishop Auckland on July 11 and then to newly-promoted Gateshead on July 21 before August 6 now sees a Toon side take on Newcastle Blue Star.

Reports from Italy today suggested that United's Czech Republic international defender David Rozehnal could be offered a permanent deal from Serie A giants Lazio.

Rozehnal struggled to break into the team at the start of his loan stint with the Romans, but a late string of performances suggest Lazio are ready to take the player off Kevin Keegan's hands.

United paid pounds 2.9m for the player from Paris St Germain last term, and he could be available for a cutprice fee this summer.

But with Rozehnal going into the shop window during Euro 2008, Lazio may have to act quickly as his price may inflate if he has a good tournament.

Meanwhile, talk that Toronto FC will be unable to afford Shola Ameobi's transfer fee was today dismissed by a source close to the MLS side.

TFC are owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment group, who also own NHL and NBA giants Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, with the company worth EUR 1.75m.