Robert fancies Espanyol switch

Newcastle's French winger Laurent Robert has reportedly leapt to the top of Espanyol's summer wanted list.

The skilful left-sided player, formerly of Paris St Germain, is fancied by new Espanyol coach Miguel Angel Lotina to bring creativity to his team for the new Spanish season.

Robert scored for Newcastle in their 2-1 defeat by Ipswich last night, but reports in Spain say that Espanyol have already made a tentative bid for the 29-year-old.

Spanish daily newspaper Sport quoted Robert as saying: "All that I can say is that at Newcastle I am very happy, but for all players to move to the Spanish league is a step forward.

"It is always good to know other championships and see new cultures."

Newcastle have let Hugo Viana return to his native Portugal and join Sporting Lisbon on a one-year loan deal, a move which means that last season's rival to Robert on the left flank will not be a factor in the new campaign.

But Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson has recruited James Milner from Leeds, and the youngster will be pressing for a place in midfield, with Robert potentially under threat.

"I know of the interest from Espanyol but nobody has directed them to me," said Robert.

"They are things to do with my agents and I prefer at the moment to remain on the margin."

Although former PSG coach Luis Fernandez left the club this summer, Robert has links to at least two of Espanyol's staff.

"I know Cristobal (Parralo, Espanyol club director) because of our time together at PSG," he added.

"I know that Espanyol have signed (former PSG and Newcastle defender Didier) Domi and they want to make a competitive team."