Bobby scouting Greek right back

By Karl Wilkinson
December 3 2003

Newcastle are reportedly tracking Greek international Giorgios Seitaridis as a potential New Year transfer target.

United boss Sir Bobby Robson is keen to increase competition for the right-back position at St James', and Tottenham defender Stephen Carr remains the preferred option.

Carr is stalling on agreeing a new deal at White Hart Lane, and is well aware of the Bobby’s long-standing interest.

But Robson is taking no chances and has also had Panathinaikos star Seitaridis scouted as he prepares his January shopping list.

The Piraeus-born full-back joined Panathinaikos from Giannina as a 19-year-old midway through the 2000/01 season and he came to prominence with a spectacular goal against Manchester United in a 1-1 Champions League draw two-and-a-half years ago.

But what appeals most to those coaches keeping tabs on one of European football's brightest young talents is his versatility and Seitaridis has already starred at left-back, in central defence and in midfield.

And the fact that the defender's contract expires next summer suggests Panathinaikos would rather receive a fee for their prize asset in January than see Seitaridis leave for nothing prior to Euro 2004.

Giorgios Seitaridis has attracted interest from several big clubs including Liverpool, Barcelona, Valencia and Borussia Dortmund.