LAZIO yesterday emerged as suitors for Rivaldo as he delivered a massive snub to Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson.

United were forced to accept defeat in their audacious attempt to lure the Brazil star away from Barcelona.

The attraction of playing under Robson, general manager at the Nou Camp in Rivaldo's first season there, cut no ice.

Newcastle were informed by Barcelona, who are anxious to sell to alleviate a cash crisis, that he would not even talk to them.

But the move was doomed to failure because of the player's astronomical salary package - he reputedly already picks up £5m a year after tax.

Rivaldo, due at St. James' Park with Barcelona on August 7 for a pre-season friendly, has said he wants to see out the remaining year on his contract or at least stay in Spain.

Italian giants Lazio, however, insist they have first refusal on the 30-year-old - and that they are maintaining an interest in Manchester United's Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti revealed: "I have a preferential option on Rivaldo which was signed with Barcelona.

"It runs out on July 10 and we want to have him in the team. If there is the chance, we will discuss his contract through new basis as opposed to old ones.

"We are ambitious and we want to be competitive. For that reason, the names of Rivaldo and Veron are linked to us.

"If things work out as expected, I don't rule out the possibility of having Rivaldo and Veron in the team.''

Newcastle have been linked with Argentina's Ariel Ortega and England's Trevor Sinclair - the subject of an approach last year - but club sources insist neither is on Robson's shopping list.

However, United are working towards financing a major deal and Robson admitted: "I have got my eye on one or two acquisitions from the World Cup.''

Newcastle fans may be encouraged to hearz that Italy defender Alessandro Nesta - reportedly a Manchester United target - and Argentina striker Hernan Crespo, could leave Lazio.

Cragnotti confirmed: "It has been the decision of Nesta and Crespo to place themselves in the market.

"One thing is certain, we will not sell them unless the economic conditions are right.''

Newcastle's French winger Laurent Robert is growing impatient with the lack of transfer activity on Tyneside.

He said: "I hope Newcastle are going to sign players during the summer. We need them at all costs if we're going to show well in the Premiership and Champions' League.''

l Newcastle Reserves, who visit Darlington on Friday, July 19, will also travel to Hartlepool ten days later (7.15).

l Sunderland completed details of their pre-season tour of Belgium by announcing two more games against First Division sides. They will play St.Truiden on Sunday, July 28 and KAA Gent six days later. In between they face Royal Antwerp on July 31.