NEWCASTLE United new boys Hugo Viana and Titus Bramble will be inducted into the Magpies' Hall of Fame over the next decade if Sir Bobby Robson's hunch is right.

After more than 30 years in the management game, the United boss knows a good player when he sees one.

In this case, he's certain he has seen two who will vindicate his judgement and win a permanent place in the hearts of the Geordie public.

Robson has paid £13.5m for 19-year-old Portugal midfielder Viana and England Under-21 defender Bramble in the conviction that he has recruited players of rich potential.

In snaring Viana, Robson pulled off a coup. Both Liverpool and Spanish side Celta Vigo were suitors for the Sporting Libson star, who had reputedly also attracted the attention of Juventus.

But with a glowing endorsement from Robson, Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd flew out to complete a surprise swoop.

"We've bought players with a big future,'' said Robson. "Everybody in the game is envious of what we've done this summer.

"Hugo is only 19, but he's talented, quick and left-footed with lovely passing ability.

"With Gary Speed the only left-footed player at the club who plays in the middle, Hugo's arrival gives us another option and more balance.

"We haven't bought Hugo for the next five weeks - we've bought him for the next five years and I hope he's here twice as long as that.''

The recommendation former Sporting boss Robson received about Viana proved to be something of a Christmas gift.

Robson revealed: "I was told about Hugo at Christmas time. I was told, thanks to some of my old contacts at Sporting Libson, that there was a kid coming through there who would be a fantastic player.

"The chairman did well for me because he worked at the deal, burned the midnight oil, and paid the money. We paid more or less the asking price.

"It was a big decision for Hugo because he could have gone to Celta Vigo across the border in Spain. He would have been only an hour and a half from his home.

"But I think he will do well here and I think he'll be happy. He's got a great attitude.''

Viana speaks precious little English, but still managed to get his message across when he said: "This club is very good for my future.''

Bramble, now 21, was more familiar to Robson. Again, the United boss acted on a tip-off from another of his former managerial haunts.

He admitted: "I've known about Titus for four years. I knew Ipswich had signed this big lad at 16 who was going to be a powerhouse.

"We've had him watched over the years and I think that the boy can be anything he wants to be. It's a question of how he sees himself.

"He's certainly got the class to be a thumping good player. He's got Nikos Dabizas, Andy O'Brien and Aaron Hughes as competition, but I hope Titus is another who is here for ten years.''

Bramble has been reunited at St. James' Park with former Ipswich teammate Kieron Dyer.

And he is determined to make as big an impression on Tyneside as his close friend.

"It's a massive club and I'm delighted to have joined,'' said Bramble.

"When I get my place, I have to make sure I keep it. I have to make sure my name is one of the first on the teamsheet every week.

"Look at what Kieron has achieved here. Hopefully, I can do what he has done - that's my benchmark."

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