SIR BOBBY ROBSON has identified a potential soulmate for Newcastle United's Portuguese star Hugo Viana - Sporting Lisbon's very own Ronaldo.

Robson's connections with his old club have alerted him to Portugal Under-21 schemer Cristiano Ronaldo, a former teammate of Viana.

Newcastle paid £8.5m to lure Viana away from Lisbon last summer, and Robson is kept closely informed of emerging talent at Sporting.

But the rest of Europe's big guns are also watching, and both Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have registered their interest in Ronaldo, whose contract is understood to have a buy-out clause worth £5m.

Viana has ended the season with a flourish after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

The 20-year-old midfielder scored his first two Premiership goals in Newcastle's last two games with stunning free-kicks.

Robson will receive major funds this summer to strengthen his squad for the renewed challenge of the Champions League.

Midfield targets are high on his agenda and he could look closer to home and move for either West Ham's Michael Carrick or Blackburn's David Dunn, both rated at around £5m.

Robson is a long-time admirer of the pair and Geordie Carrick would jump at the chance to join his home-town club following the Hammers' relegation from the top flight.

Meanwhile, centre-back Steve Caldwell remains unsure about his future as the clock runs down on his Newcastle career.

Out-of-contract Caldwell, who is still attracting the attention of Rangers, turned down a new one-year deal with the Magpies, but is hoping for an improved offer despite Robson's insistence that there will be no further talks.

Caldwell, 22, who played what could have been his last match for United in the 2-2 draw at West Brom on Sunday, said: "The ball really is in the club's court now.

"I've rejected the offer they made and I'm waiting to see if they come back with an improved one. Hopefully things will be sorted out by the start of next month.''

Although he also faces losing Greek defender Nikos Dabizas, Robson will be able to call on Caldwell's 21-year-old brother Gary next season, following his loan to Coventry City this term.

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