FERNANDEZ MYSTIFIED ABOUT ROBERT

The PSG coach professed to be in the dark as to why Robert missed training with his side at the weekend, amidst stories that personal terms for a switch to The Magpies had already been concluded.

"I don't know why Laurent missed training," said Fernandez. "Perhaps he slept badly or had a high temperature₻

"I don't even know how he felt after the match because I didn't even talk to him.

"Perhaps he has decided to leave PSG - that is a question that you should ask him. We have already talked about that eventuality."

Robert, who received praise from Newcastle boss Bobby Robson over the weekend, is expected to put the finishing touches to a contract on Wednesday, although interest from Valencia and Bayern Munich may hold up the mooted £10 million move.

Robson's comments suggest that the veteran manager is confident that the French international will be playing in the famous black and white stripes next season, and it appears that Fernandez may have to get used to Robert's absence from his training sessions.