NEWCASTLE United last night lined up Celtic star Henrik Larsson after failing to prise Alan Smith away from Leeds.

Swedish scoring sensation Larsson is poised to sign a pre-contract with the Magpies ahead of joining them on a Bosman transfer this summer.

Sir Bobby Robson had seemingly conceded defeat in his pursuit of Larsson, in the belief that he was bound for Barcelona at the end of the season.

But, as reported in Northern Echo Sport on Tuesday, the 32-year-old striker gave United fresh hope when he admitted he was "stunned'' to read Robson's claim that he had already decided where his future lay.

Larsson joined Celtic from Feyenoord in 1997 for £650,000 and has plundered over 200 goals for the Bhoys.

He has scored more in Europe than any other British-based player, his haul of 34 being three better than Liverpool legend Ian Rush.

Larsson, who retired from international football a year ago, is on course to sign off with his fourth Scottish championship medal.

The 2001 European Golden Boot winner has 19 goals this season and is leading scorer in the Scottish Premier League with 16.

Robson yesterday cushioned the immediate blow of a failed £2m move for Smith by declaring that Craig Bellamy could be only two weeks away from a Newcastle comeback.

Bellamy has been out for over three months after flying to the United States to undergo surgery for tendinitis on his left knee.

But Robson, who feared Bellamy would be sidelined until the middle of next month, revealed that the Welsh international is now back in full training, looking "terrific'' and ahead of schedule.

Robson, hoping to have forward Shola Ameobi fit to return for Monday's home game against Fulham after a fractured cheekbone, said: "Bellamy has trained for the first time for many months with the group.

"He looks really terrific and he's on his way back. It's still a couple of weeks for him, maybe more, but I'm delighted with him and he's looking good. He's ahead of the game.''

Midfielder Lee Bowyer, who was this week told he wouldn't need surgery for a hip injury, is also nearing fitness.

Robson said: "Bowyer has trained and looks more than decent, and Shola could be ready for Monday. It's four weeks now for him. He has not seriously headed a ball in that time, but I'll be looking at him over the weekend.

"I'll give him as long as possible before deciding whether to play him against Fulham. He's looking pretty good. He was told he couldn't run for ten days because of his injury.

"I don't think he will need to wear a mask. I would not have any worries about starting with him, but he has to be sure in his own mind that he's OK.

"We also have Carl Cort and Lomana LuaLua when he comes back from the African Nations Cup. Cort is now fit after his hamstring problem. We are just keeping our cards close to our chest with him; we will see what happens during the transfer window.''

Northern Echo Sport revealed on November 29 that Newcastle were ready with a £2m offer for England international Smith.

Leeds' plight - the Elland Road club are around £80m in debt and operating under the threat of administration - makes them vulnerable to offers.

But having had their bid turned down, Newcastle quickly turned their attention back to the prolific Larsson.

Robson, meanwhile, yesterday insisted Newcastle had not agreed a £5m deal with Manchester United for midfielder Nicky Butt.

The England international, whose transfer request was this week accepted by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, is understood to favour a move to Newcastle.

Tottenham are hot on Butt's trail, but the Mancunian is not keen on a move to London.

Robson is prepared to wait for Larsson after admitting he is unlikely to make any signings during the transfer window.

He said: "Results in the last three games have helped. We are very pleased to still be in the FA Cup and we had the home win over Leeds and a difficult game at Manchester United.

"We have come out of it very well. The injury list is receding and things are better than they were. When we have everyone fit, we have a very good squad indeed.''

Newcastle goalkeeper Tony Caig has joined Barnsley on a month's loan

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