Magpies to listen to Solano offers

Aston Villa are thought to be keen on the skilful midfielder, who has been in and out of the Newcastle side this season.

Robson admitted he has yet to receive a bid for Solano from Villa, but hinted he could do a deal for the right price.

"If an offer came in for Solano, then we would listen to it," said Robson.

"There is something in the air with Villa but David O'Leary has not been on the phone to me and they've put no offer on the table.

"If there is genuine interest in one of my players, a club should come through the front door, not the back door."

Solano's future has been up in the air for some time after a row with Robson over his lack of first team action and his involvement with Peru's national team, but he is happy to stay at St James' Park until he is told otherwise.

"Newcastle has asked for more than $5 million. I feel that the club doesn't want me to leave so easily and that makes me calm," Solano told Peruvian radio station RPP Noticias.

"I am confident because I have been playing in the last games.

"I have to analyse what is the best thing for me. I know that the coach of Aston Villa is interested in me but a player can't have negotiations directly with a club.

"There isn't anything sure yet so, for the moment, I will keep on playing for Newcastle as if nothing has happened."

Meanwhile, Robson fears that Lee Bowyer could be ruled out for the rest of the season with his problematic hip injury.

The former Leeds United star has been out of action since November with the problem and if it does not clear up he could face surgery.

Robson is not optimistic about Bowyer's fitness and fears he could be out for three months, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

"We were asked by the specialist to give Lee Bowyer a month's complete rest before thinking about any further treatments," said Robson.

"He will be back in on Friday when we will look at him and see if he can return to training next week.

"If not, then we'll have to decide on the next step and, if he still has the hip problem, we might have to operate.

"If it comes to that, he'll be out for at least three months and that could take care of the rest of his season.

"It is similar to the operation Roy Keane had, which kept him out for between three and four months."