By Matthew Jones
June 21 2002

Bobby Robson is on the look-out for a central defender, and Argentine ace Federico Lussenhoff has been recommended to him by Christian Bassedas. Bobby Robson is on the look-out for a central defender, and Argentine ace Federico Lussenhoff has been recommended to him by Christian Bassedas.

Robson admitted he was searching for a new centre-back even before the on-loan Sylvain Distin turned his back on the club in favour of Manchester City.

The Magpies are in the hunt for Ipswich's Titus Bramble - still to prove his fitness following close-season surgery - while they have been asked to be kept informed of the situation at Arsenal, where Martin Keown has so far refused a one-year contract offer.

But Robson is also well aware that Lussenhoff is looking for a move to the Premiership.
The Tenerife star has been recommended to the United boss by Bassedas, who played alongside the 28-year-old while on loan at the Spanish club last season.

Lussenhoff is expected to get a European passport next month, through Spanish ancestry, meaning he would not require a work permit to play in England.

Meanwhile, West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair continues to be linked with a switch to Tyneside with reports suggesting the England man will sign for The Magpies for £7million when he returns to this country.

The Magpies came close to sealing a £6million deal for the 29-year-old last season, but after crunch talks with West Ham boss Glenn Roeder, the player finally decided to stay at Upton Park.