Soccer: Robert could be on way to Newcastle

French striker Laurent Robert could be a Newcastle player within 24 hours after Bobby Robson finally made some progress in his bid to capture the 26-year-old Paris St Germain striker.

Robert was said at the weekend to have agreed his protracted £9.5m move to Tyneside, handing Robson a welcome boost in his long-running search for a big signing.

Newcastle were shedding no light on the claims yesterday and PSG insisted early on that no deal had been struck, but it is understood that the players should arrive imminently for a medical.

Asked on his own website if he would be playing for the Paris side against Ghent on Wednesday, Robert replied: ‘‘At the moment, I don’t know.

‘‘I’m not sure at all, but to be honest with you, I don’t think so.

‘‘As far as the transfer rumours are concerned, it’s true to say it’s hotting up. Tomorrow you will know my final decision.’’

Robert’s comments will leave the St James’ Park faithful hoping that a man who has been pursued relentlessly by Robson over the last few weeks is finally heading for Tyneside.