PORTUGUESE star Simao Sabrosa has given Newcastle United the green light to make a summer move for his services.

Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson is a big fan of the youngster's talents and has already revealed his interest in the flying winger.

And it is thought that, despite the captures of bad-boy Lee Bowyer and 19-year-old Darren Ambrose, Robson remains keen on adding the highly-rated Simao to his increasingly impressive squad.

The Benfica attacker admits that he would jump at the chance to move to the Premiership and if he joined Newcastle he would team up with fellow countryman Hugo Viana. "English soccer attracts me a lot because it is the most competitive of all in Europe," said the 23-year-old.

"But I do not like to speak of the possibility of going there because Benfica have not said anything to me.

"Newcastle are a good team and to play in the Champions League pleases me. And I know that Bobby Robson has watched me many times."

Benfica's £11m valuation is still thought to be frustrating Newcastle, who are hoping to broker a deal for less. Simao, formerly of Barcelona, has been wanted on Tyneside for some time. Northern Echo SPORT revealed in April that Newcastle had pulled out of the chase for the Lisbon giants' star after baulking at the asking price.

However, later that month Robson renewed his interest and it is understood that talks are still ongoing between both clubs.

In Portugal, Robson is quoted as saying: "I find that, as he has played at Benfica, perhaps he is able to play in any side.

"I have already watched him in two games this season and I discovered that he is better than anyone at that age.

"But I am not going to discuss our business in public. Any business that we do is a matter for the club."

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Brian Kerr is hoping to make his international debut for Scotland against New Zealand at Tynecastle today.

Kerr was called up by Scots' boss Bert Vogts for the first time last week and now he is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be given the chance to impress in his country's friendly.

The 21-year-old, who made five starts for Newcastle last season, said: "I'm buzzing to have made the step forward.

"It's good to be involved and it shows that Berti Vogts sees things are going well for me at club level.

"It's a good end to the season for me and this is a reward for playing games."

Fellow Magpies midfielder Gary Speed is also in contention for a place in the Wales side to face the United States this morning.

Wales boss Mark Hughes was still making a decision on the experienced Speed's fitness late last night.

Speed missed the final weeks of the season with a hamstring problem.

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