Kleberson wants to come to Toon?

Last updated : 02 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

But before you get too excited it’s worth noting that the report is in the News of the World and the quotes are very similar to comments he made in January when Freddy Shepherd travelled to Brazil in a bid to sign him.

"I can't wait to come over," the midfielder is reported to have said.

"Ronaldo has told me all about Bobby Robson and that has made my mind up. I am told he is a great man: a man of honour, a simple and good man who knows all about football and its secrets.

"This is who I want to play for. Newcastle are the ones because I can see they are a strong side today."

Atletico Paranaense chairman Mario Celso Petraglia is also quoted in the article, claiming that our bid in January was merely to take the player on loan.

"They wanted to take a World Cup winner on a six-month loan. It was an insulting offer and that is why Kleberson didn't move to England," he said.

Meanwhile one Italian press report claims that we will battle with AC Milan for the signature of Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Luis Figo in the summer – not really in keeping with the buy young policy that one!