By Matthew Jones
December 23 2002

Laurent Robert could make a surprise move to Inter Milan after New Year. Reports in Italy claim that an offer of around seven million pounds could be accepted by Sir Bobby Robson. The Italian side are confident that they will get the French winger. Robert has been in disappointing form for Newcastle so far this season and it is believed that Sir Bobby Robson's patience finally snapped following the Frenchman's woeful performance in the 3-1 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League. Relations were strained further when Robert recently criticised his Newcastle team-mates on his personal website.

It has now been reported that Inter Milan are weighing up a New Year move for winger Laurent Robert, and it has also been rumoured that the Magpies are ready to accept any suitable offers unless the player significantly raises his game in the next few weeks.

Now reports in Italy suggest Inter coach Hector Cuper is preparing a bid to take Robert to Milan. Cuper is a long-standing admirer of the Frenchman, and feels confident he can get the best from the flamboyant winger. Indeed, Cuper tried to sign Robert during his stint as Valencia manager, when the winger was still playing in France for Paris St Germain. Sir Bobby knows he will be lucky to recoup the £10 million he paid Paris for Robert in 2001, and is willing to accept offers in the region of £7 million.