THE race to land Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert for a cut-price fee will begin in earnest today - with Newcastle United among the frontrunners for the Barcelona striker's signature, writes Adam Murray.

A clause in the Holland international's contract - which expires in 2005 - allows the Catalans to cut his wage by half; a matter the Barca board were believed to be discussing yesterday. However, as part of that clause, Barcelona would have to reduce his release fee to around £1.5m, which will start a stampede amongst Europe's top clubs for one of the best in the business.

Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has already spoken of his admiration for the player who scored twice against the Magpies in the recent Champions League campaign.

The Premiership would appear to be the most likely destination for Kluivert, who spent an unhappy season with AC Milan before his switch to Camp Nou in 1998.

But Newcastle are likely to face intense competition from Manchester United and Arsenal for the cut-price Dutch striker, with their qualification for the Champions League undoubtedly strengthening their bargaining power.

And the 26-year-old has spoken in the past of his admiration for Sir Bobby Robson's side, and has never disguised his intentions to play in the Premiership. Now would appear to be the most likely time for a move away from La Liga after Barca's failure to qualify for Europe next season, and last year he invited a fresh approach from the Magpies saying: "I'd consider any offer that came in, and if Newcastle were still interested in me, then why not?"

Kluivert was believed to be in talks with officials at Barcelona yesterday, and an announcement on his future is imminent.