MAGPIES IN FOR URZAIZ
The Magpies have been alerted to the availability of Atletico Madrid striker Kiko, who would present a cheaper alternative to the 29-year-old target man, but Robson is pondering his options.
Urzaiz has also been linked with Sunderland but Peter Reid's chief target is Bordeaux's Lilian Laslandes, with the signing of the Frenchman on the brink of going through.
Newcastle are believed to have already contacted the former Espanyol ace's agent to register their interest, and he is out of contract in 2002.
Bilbao's asking price will be probably be close to his £11 million buy-out clause but, with the player available for nothing under the Bosman Ruling next June, there should be some room for negotiation.
Obviously, Robson considers that valuation far too excessive and would only do business at a greatly reduced price.
New president Javier Uria is due to have talks with Urzaiz within the next week, and the experienced striker wants to remain with the rojiblanco.
Gines Carvajal, the hit-man's agent, admitted that negotiations will be delicate, and there is no guarantee his client will extend his contract at the club.
"He has shown that he wants to remain with Athletic," he said. "That will not be a simple negotiation.
"At the moment, Javier Uria has not handed a new contract offer to the player. Nobody has called us to negotiate."
Urzaiz knows that he holds all the Aces, with regards to his future, as a lucrative Bosman move could be on the cards in 2002.
"If the player is well then it is normal that the team is interested," said the Spanish international, in reaction to the link with St James' Park.
"I am happy in Bilbao. The most important thing is my future but there are many things that must give."
Newcastle's possible late entrance into the Uefa Cup, via the Intertoto Cup, will make them a more attractive proposition for any transfer targets, and Robson certainly seems to be stepping up his search in the continental transfer market.
The wily former England boss knows Urzaiz, and Kiko, well from his time as Barcelona coach, when they were impressing elsewhere within La Liga.
