BOLTON Wanderers are on the verge of ending Laurent Robert's Newcastle United career by winning the race for the Frenchman's signature.

The enigmatic Robert has agreed personal terms and is due at the Reebok Stadium today to undergo a medical after the two clubs agreed a fee, believed to be £2m.

It is a move that has put paid to Portsmouth's ambitious attempts to conclude a double deal that would have seen the 30-year-old join Andy O'Brien at Fratton Park.

However, although O'Brien's deal is expected to still go through, Robert has opted against working under fellow countryman Alain Perrin and has opted to play for Sam Allardyce.

"We have agreed personal terms and all that is left is a medical," confirmed the player's agent Willie McKay.

The prospect of Bolton's sojourn into Europe in the UEFA Cup has helped persuade the Reunion Islander where his future lies and, when it is completed, he will be relieved to finally turn his back on Graeme Souness' Newcastle.

Since Souness took over in September the pair have had a number of run-ins, via the media, over Robert's non-selection and lack of work-rate.

The public feud came to a head when, prior to Newcastle's crucial UEFA Cup quarter-final return leg against Sporting Lisbon, the left-winger claimed that Newcastle were in a worse position under the Scot than during Sir Bobby Robson's final days at the helm.

From that point it was always only a matter of time before Robert moved away from Newcastle and he stripped down to his underwear, following the final game of the season against Chelsea, to say his goodbyes to the Geordie faithful.

Now the £9.5m signing from Paris St Germain is expected to sign a three-year deal at Bolton where he will team up with former Parc des Princes team-mate Jay-Jay Okocha.

Pompey may have missed out on Robert but, despite late interest from Celtic and Wigan which has slowed down the deal, defender O'Brien should make the move to the south coast soon.

Talks have progressed well over a £1.5m switch and he is ready to say 'yes' to Perrin, although Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is keen on taking him north of the border.

Strachan has taken over at the Glasgow giants and is resigned to losing the services of Bobo Balde and has already lost Stephan Henchoz, increasing the need for a new centre-back.

But Celtic will have to act quickly if they are to scupper the bid from Portsmouth, who had hoped to unveil him as their new signing on Friday.

Robert's proposed transfer to Bolton has poured further scorn on the suggestion that Newcastle had formally offered a deal worth £16m for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

It had been claimed that Robert, £8m-rated Craig Bellamy and £6m cash had been laid on the table for Wright-Phillips.

However, Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has angrily denied the reports. "I don't know how this story started or where it came from, but it is patently not true," said Shepherd.

"I suspect that one or more clubs are being mischievous in starting the speculation. Although we're on the lookout for players who can make us successful in the future, this young man is not part of our plans."

Shepherd's denial came after Wright-Phillips, also courted by Chelsea and Arsenal, revealed his determination to see out the remaining four years of his contract.

Newcastle, with the season ticket renewals deadline set at 5pm today, are hoping to conclude the £6.5m capture of midfielder Scott Parker and his arrival is likely to lead to Lee Bowyer's departure.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce - who has given up hope of landing Parker himself - has admitted that he has an interest in the controversial former Leeds star but no deal is imminent.

"With Scott Parker, you never say never, but I think we are up against it with that one," said Bruce. "We won't give up hope but there are three or four other irons in the fire. Yes, Lee Bowyer is a player I admire. I like him a lot and we will see what develops over the next few weeks."

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