UNHAPPY Hugo Viana is facing the wrath of Sir Bobby Robson after revealing he would go anywhere to escape his misery with Newcastle United.

The Portuguese starlet, on the bench for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wolves, was only spared demotion to reserve-team duty last night when United's home game against Manchester City fell victim to the weather.

United had confirmed on their official website that, in a late change, Viana would take the place of Jamie McClen in a strong line-up. McClen is now expected to play in the reserves in the Pontins League on Thursday.

But, after switching last night's fixture from Kingston Park to Whitley Park, torrential rain still forced a postponement.

Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd hailed Viana "the best young player in Europe'' when he arrived last summer from Sporting Lisbon in a much-vaunted £8.5m deal.

But the 20-year-old midfielder has found himself on the periphery of the first team this season and has admitted that he fears for his international future.

Viana concedes that his hopes of making Luis Felipe Scolari's squad when Portugal host next summer's European Championships are rapidly diminishing.

After making only five starts for United this season, Viana said: "I do not feel myself either physically or psychologically. The last two games I have played in have gone very badly.

"All that interests me is to play well and feel right.

"To play for Newcastle would be the best option, but as I am not, to leave would satisfy me. Any club would please me.''

Viana added: "I am not disappointed at playing for the Portuguese Under-21 side but the priority is the main team and for that reason I am going to fight.''

Viana's outburst won't have gone down well with manager Robson, who has already disciplined Laurent Robert and Lomana LuaLua for voicing similar complaints about tactics and team selection.

Viana is being linked with a move to either Spain or France, but Sporting have an option to re-sign him.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been stung by reports that Manchester United are poised to pinch a player dubbed China's Michael Owen from under their noses.

Dong Fangzhuo, 18, is understood to be lined up for a £1m New Year move to Old Trafford from Chinese side Dalian Shide, who happen to be the Magpies' Far-East feeder club.

Newcastle forged links with them two years ago in the hope of tapping into the their top talent.

But Dalian's decision to court interest from Old Trafford threatens to sour the relationship.

Man United chiefs have stolen a march on Newcastle by holding talks with Dalian over Dong after taking the striker on a two-week trial.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed: "We are very close to settling a deal that will bring him here. He came to us on a two-week trial and I was very impressed with him. He has a lot of skill and presence on the park. ''

Dong, who claims to be a Man. United fan, is said to have scored impressive goals in practice matches during his stint with them.

He said: "Life in the English Premier League would be a real test for me, but I need to face this sort of challenge and I think I'll be fine.''

But Shide manager Milorad Kosanovic sounded a note of caution. "He's a very promising youngster, but he's still far from being a serious player.'' said Kosanovic. "He should stay here and learn a lot more.''

Newcastle's chief operating officer, Russell Cushing, said: "We are aware of the player and have followed his progress for some time.

"But he has never been on trial at Newcastle and we're not in a position to discuss the situation any further.''

Newcastle first showed an interest in the Chinese market when they were in talks with Shide over Sun Jihai, who went on to join Manchester City.

Sun, who scored the own goal which gave Middlesbrough victory at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday, impressed Robson when he spent a week on trial.

Right-back Sun first came to England when he joined Crystal Palace from Dalian Wanda for £500,000 and teamed up at Selhurst Park with fellow Chinese international Fan Zhiyi.

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