Left sided problems at newcastle

By Akin Odejayi
August 4 2004

Lauren Robert now looks set to stay at newcastle, at least untill the next transfer window after Marseille have revealed that their interest in signing Laurent Robert is at an end, while United have had no contact with Espanyol, who have also been linked with the Frenchman.

Sir Bobby Robson now has the selection problems on the left hand side, that many England managers managers dream of having after securing the signings of 19 year old James Milner and recent signing 18-year-old Charles N'Zogbia from Le Havre.

Newcastle were reported to have beaten off competition from a number of other European clubs, including the likes of valencia, for Charles N'Zogbia's signature. The left-sided midfielder has been training on Tyneside for the last few weeks, but United have kept his presence quiet.

The player, who was expected to break into the French club's first team this season, had been identified through United's scouting network, headed by their chief scout, Charlie Woods.

Sir bobby has expressed his delight in securing the youngster "I'm absolutely delighted that we have signed one of the most talented young players in Europe and I'm certain that he will go on and prove to be a great asset to this football club," said Robson.

"We have worked very hard to complete this deal and there was a lot which had to be done over the weekend."

Newcastle fans will have to wait a little longer to see him in action as he will play no part in tonights match at Celtic as he is still yet to recieve international clearance