SOUTHAMPTON have played down talk of James Beattie arriving at Newcastle United ahead of next season.

The striker has been a long-term target for Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson, who would love to see Beattie become the successor to skipper Alan Shearer on Tyneside.

But Southampton are determined to fight hard in a bid to keep their prize asset and would only consider doing a deal if Newcastle can come up with the cash that would reach somewhere near the £8m valuation.

Sources close to Beattie insist he is willing to uproot to the North-East, providing the two clubs can reach an agreement over a fee.

The 26-year-old is known to have been disappointed at missing out on travelling with England to Euro 2004 and he is keen to strengthen his case early for World Cup 2006.

Beattie has been constantly linked with a move to St James' Park for the past couple of years but Southampton insist there is no fresh news.

St Mary's boss Paul Sturrock said: "We have not heard anything at all from Newcastle. This has been in the paper so many times that we have nothing more to say on it."

But it is understood there have been initial talks and there's a strong chance Beattie could be at Newcastle before the closure of the transfer window on August 31.

Newcastle, having missed out on a Champions League place, do not have the heavy financial clout to seriously tempt Southampton into a sale.

But the south coast club's board could be ready to listen to offers for a part-exchange deal - similar to the way Wayne Bridge joined Chelsea a year ago.

When Bridge moved to the Blues full-back Graeme Le Saux headed in the other direction and, if Southampton decide to sell, Newcastle may have to offer a couple of players in exchange.

Lomana LuaLua, the subject of an increased £1.5m bid from Portsmouth, could certainly be used in negotiations, as could Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana.

Newcastle are still monitoring the situation of Leeds' attacking midfielder James Milner.

The Elland Road hierarchy, on the verge of signing former Boro midfielder Craig Hignett, have denied reports suggesting the promising teenager has turned down a 100 per cent pay rise to stay with the Coca-Cola Championship outfit.