NEWCASTLE United are ready to cut their losses on £8m striker Duncan Ferguson, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

Rangers supremo David Murray yesterday revealed that the big Scot is being hawked around and that his club had been approached about taking injury-plagued Ferguson back to Ibrox.

But Murray insisted that the Scottish champions, who set a then-British transfer record when they paid Dundee United £4m for Ferguson seven years ago, won't be offering him an escape route from Tyneside. Murray confirmed: "Duncan is being actively offered about at the moment, but we have not even made an enquiry about him.

"We told his agents we're not interested. He will not be coming back to Ibrox.''

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has been supportive of 28-year-old Ferguson in his battle to banish doubts about his long-term fitness.

But Robson's search for two top-class strikers indicates his willingness to let Ferguson go - if the price is right. A bid close to £4m could be enough to clinch a deal and Derby County, managed by former Newcastle boss Jim Smith, may be interested.

Middlesbrough and newly-promoted Manchester City have already ruled out cut-price moves for Ferguson, who missed the final five weeks of last season with a knee injury which forced him to limp off in Newcastle's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea at Wembley.

Until then, Ferguson looked to have finally come through his injury nightmare after managing 20 consecutive starting appearances.

In the first six months following his arrival from Everton in November 1998, Ferguson underwent two hernia operations and subsequent hamstring and calf problems further restricted his involvement.

Meanwhile, United are closing in on £8m Belgium striker Emile Mpenza and are still keeping tabs on towering Czech Republic targetman Jan Koller, who would cost a similar sum and be the perfect replacement for Ferguson.

Mpenza, who plays for German side Schalke, last night admitted he would welcome a move to Newcastle, but insisted his future was still uncertain. He said: "I am interested in going to Newcastle. It's always been a dream for me to play in England. But it's 50-50 between whether I stay with Schalke or go to Newcastle.''

l SHEFFIELD United and Birmingham are on the trail of £1m-rated Newcastle striker Paul Robinson.

Sunderland-born Robinson joined the Magpies from Darlington over two years ago in a £500,000 double deal, which included the signing of Jamie Coppinger.

The Blades are also chasing Newcastle left-back Carl Serrant, who was under manager Neil Warnock's wing at Oldham.