unlike YBR to be so presumptious regarding a signing but looks like he may have been......? Rangers trying to hijack deal RANGERS have made a late move to hijack Peter Lovenkrands' #1.25 million move to Newcastle United.

And the Scottish outfit have now emerged as favourites to snap up the pacy striker.

United were confident they had tied up the 20-year-old AB Copenhagen ace after agreeing terms with his club.

And Bobby Robson went as far as to say he was delighted to welcome Lovenkrands to his squad.

But Lovenkrands will take advice from Danish legend Brian Laudrup - a former Rangers player - before making his mind up.

Speaking this afternoon, Lovenkrands said: "I have other offers to consider as well but Rangers are a very good club.

"My agent tells me that Rangers are ready to make an offer and I would definitely consider a move to Glasgow.

"I remember Brian Laudrup playing for them a couple of years ago and he was on television recently in Denmark saying that the four years he spent at Ibrox were the best and most enjoyable of his career.

"If I hear from Rangers I will speak to Brian and ask him his advice. It is attractive to me as well because my brother Tommy will be in Scotland with St Johnstone which would be a big help."

United will continue to pursue the player their own former Dane Benny Kristensen regards as a gem.

Kristensen said: "I think my old club would be getting a great young prospect in Peter Lovenkrands.

"He is still young at 20 and he has a lot to learn.

"Newcastle is a great place for him to go and there is no doubt in my mind that he would be a super signing."

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2000

Answers

Highly recommended by the talent that was Benny Kristensen ?!? O my gawd, I think I need to lie down for a while. Whatever next ? If any former player starts drawing comparisons between Lovenkrands and Frank Pingel then I'm supporting Newton Heath.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

Looks like we could have lost him. A classic case of shutting up about the deal until he has signed. Can't believe this.

Wednesday June 7, 2000, 12:46 AM London Time Newcastle get a flying start on Rangers striker bid By Peter Jardine Newcastle United have despatched a three-man delegation by private Learjet to Copenhagen in a bid to beat Rangers to the #1.5 million signing of Danish striker Peter Lovenkrands.

But despite the late night talks with the 20 year old and his agent, Ivan Benes, the Ibrox side still hope to have a further meeting with Lovenkrands today and win his signature.

Last night's dramatic development came after the AB Copenhagen striker earlier turned his back on a scheduled meeting with the Geordies, a move that outraged Newcastle chairman Freddie Shepherd and manager Bobby Robson.

However, Rangers chairman David Murray is still hopeful of landing his man. He said: 'Initial talks have been encouraging and we will have another meeting with Lovenkrands.'

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000