NEWCASTLE United are planning their next step after Marseille issued a 'hands off' warning to clubs interested in Daniel van Buyten.

The giant centre-back, he stands at 6ft 5ins tall, remains the Magpies' number one target but his French club are keen to retain his services.

However, van Buyten has indictaed he is willing to move to St. James' Park provided both clubs can agree a fee for the £9m-rated defender.

The Belgium international said: "It is a question between the two clubs, and if they have an agreement I will see what Newcastle have to offer.

"Newcastle are an interesting club and they are in the Champions League at the moment."

It is understood Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd and manager Sir Bobby Robson held talks yesterday to decide their next move.

Robson has been linked with numerous defenders since admitting he needed to boost his leaky backline.

And he had a £9m bid for Jonathan Woodgate rejected last week.

But the Magpies chief is determined to bring in a new defender before the end of January - when the transfer window closes.

Robson's £5m summer defensive signing Titus Bramble, meanwhile, is set to hand his manager a welcome boost by regaining full fitness.

Bramble, who has not played since picking up a hamstring strain in the Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev in October, was due to play in Monday's reserves clash with Everton but it was postponed.

However, Robson is happy with the way the former Ipswich man is recovering, although he thinks Saturday's trip to West Ham will come just too soon.

Robson said: "Titus is fine. He is not completely fit but he's 85-90 per cent fit to start training and get involved playing again."

Newcastle defender Wayne Quinn is desperate to earn himself a permanent move away from St' James' Park.

Quinn, who has joined Sheffield United on a month's loan, is determined to end his Tyneside nightmare.

The 26-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Newcastle since a £800,000 from the Blades two years ago and he is keen for a fresh start.

Quinn said: "I'm disappointed with the way things have gone for me at Newcastle.

"It's not happened for me there, but that's fine. I accept that. It seemed a good move at the time but I've never really been given an answer as to why I've not been involved.

"I couldn't really go in shouting and bawling because the team were playing so well, but I've been looking to get away and this is my chance to put myself in the shop window and do well for Sheffield United and myself."

Meanwhile, Newcastle youngster Bradley Orr has signed a new contract at the club.

The 20-year-old, who was signed by Kenny Dalglish, has been handed the new terms after impressing in the reserves.

And Orr, a former Everton schoolboy, admitted he was overjoyed to sign until the end of the 2003-04 season.

He told the club's official website: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract.

"I love it on Tyneside and hope to keep making progress on the pitch at Newcastle United.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.