By Matthew Jones
December 26 2003

Magpies' boss Sir Bobby Robson could make a swoop next week for Celtic striker Henrik Larsson as he looks for a proven goalscorer to help Alan Shearer.

LARSSON A TOON TARGET

Magpies' boss Sir Bobby Robson could make a swoop next week for Celtic striker Henrik Larsson as he looks for a proven goalscorer to help Alan Shearer.

Inquiries have already been made about Larsson who is out of contract at the end of the season and is looking for a move to the Premiership.

Robson - who is also looking to sign Spurs right back Stephen Carr when the transfer window opens - has sounded out Larsson's representatives.

Alan Shearer is currently the Premiership top scorer so far this season, having bagged himself 15 goals. He has been begged to make a comaback to the England team, even though he has quit international football.

Midfielder Laurent Robert has eight, but no one else at Newcastle comes anywhere near matching their totals. United NEED more power infront of goal. Craig Bellamy is set to return in six weeks but Robson knows that if Shearer was injured, it would wreck the club's season - unless ofcourse, back-up is signed.

Larsson was targetted by the Magpies' three years ago before the Geordies were revived into a top-four side - but at that time, the club could not afford him.

With 229 goals in 282 appearances in six years at Celtic the Swede looks certain to move on - but it will not be easy for Robson to land him, as he faces tough competition.

Les Ferdinand - former Newcastle striker - has warned Sir Bobby that he has "no chance" of persuading skipper Shearer to keep playing beyond the end of next season.

Ferdinand said: "It is definitely in Newcastle's interests to try to convince Alan not to retire. But knowing Alan as I do, he's very much his own man and when he makes his decision that's it. Alan knew enough was enough for England, even though there have been loads of calls for him to come back.

"I spoke to him recently and he said next season will be his last."

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