NOLBERTO SOLANO could be heading for the exit door at Newcastle United after refusing to abandon his international career.

The winger insists he will play on for Peru despite the threat it poses to his future with United.

Manager Bobby Robson has already admitted that he may be forced to sell Solano if he continues to put country before club.

Robson has shelved showdown talks with Solano, who went on international duty last week against his manager's wishes, until after tonight's Intertoto Cup final with Troyes, which the United boss has labelled the most important game of his two-year reign.

The prize is a place in the UEFA Cup, but there is no guarantee Solano will be around to play a part if the Magpies gain the victory they need at St James' Park.

Robson is planning to deliver a "quit or else" ultimatum to the 26-year-old later this week.

Solano's stand means he runs the risk of being sold in a £10m deal with a string of clubs, including Real Madrid, eyeing the situation.

Robson said yesterday: "Things are going on in Nobby's head, but I need to get the best out of him tomorrow night and then we'll sit down and talk.

"To be fair he didn't hang about after the World Cup qualifier in Colombia last Thursday and he was back in England on Saturday morning. Now we need to get the Troyes match out of the way and then come together to thrash it out."

Robson, who negotiated an improved five-year deal for Solano in the summer on the understanding he would give up international football, is unlikely to weaken his stance.

He revealed: "I've given him something to think about and he knows how I feel about the situation."

But Solano, sidelined in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea in order to ensure his freshness tonight, looks equally intent on bringing the issue to a head.

He said yesterday: "This is probably my last chance to qualify for a World Cup final and I owe it to myself to try to do it. I know it does not please my manager, but I hope he understands. It is a very difficult situation. We have a lot of players at Newcastle who go away on international duty.

"The difference for me is that Peru is so far away and it takes me much longer to get back.

"But every player dreams of playing in the World Cup finals and I am no different."

Peru have four games to play and must win them all to clinch a place in next year's finals.

Robson wants Solano at his best against French side Troyes, who threatened to outplay Newcastle in a tense goalless first leg.

And he is hoping a fit-again Gary Speed, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, can also help secure a backdoor UEFA route.

Robson said: "In terms of what's ahead, it's as big as any game we've had since I came here. Our Wembley FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea two seasons ago was crucial, but playing in Europe again would put the club on a different planet.

"When you get back among the big boys your reputation soars. There would be a financial bonus as well totalling several million pounds. We are on the brink of it and it would be colossal if we got through. In that respect the Intertoto has worked wonders for us.

"Troyes are a very good footballing team and we have to be prepared for the possibility of the game going to penalties.''

French winger Laurent Robert is cup-tied, but Robson is able to recall Speed, Solano and Wayne Quinn.

Robson has been further boosted by the likelihood of Alan Shearer, Carl Cort and Kieron Dyer being available if the club succeeds in clinching a Euro spot. Skipper Shearer could even be fit for Sunday's derby showdown at home to Sunderland.

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