Taken from tonight's Ronnie:

MARCELINO has been told he has no future at Newcastle United.

The #6 million defender is now waiting on a move back to Spain after meeting manager Bobby Robson before he took his first team squad on tour to the US.

Marcelino, signed by Ruud Gullit a year ago from Real Mallorca, was left out of the 22-man party for the trip.

And while in public the club said the player had not recovered from an ankle injury in time to make the two-game tour, it is now clear he stayed on Tyneside in case any offer comes in.

The 28-year-old, who played for the reserves at Ashington last night, said: "I'm fit now but my future is not very clear.

"I've spoken with the manager and we've agreed it would be better for me to find a club in Spain.

"I was training with the first team squad when they were here and now the manager has taken them to the United States.

"He decided it was better for me to stay here and I have to accept that.

Unacceptable

"I was disappointed at first not to go on the tour because I did not exactly know the point of view of the manager.

"But after talking with him the situation is very clear.

"It is right that if I am to go to another club I should stay behind. I think they have spoken to clubs but I do not know which ones yet."

Marcelino was bought by Gullit after starring in Real Mallorca's 1998/99 Cup-Winners Cup campaign.

Deportivo La Coruna are understood to be weighing up a swap bid for Marcelino, with Helder going to other way.

Meanwhile Temuri Ketsbaia, who also failed to make the tour squad, is also on the verge of leaving United. "It's the end for me," he said.

"If somebody tells me I'm not good enough to make the starting 11 then I will accept it, but to be told I'm not even good enough for the first 22 is just unacceptable.

"This time last year it was Robert Lee and Nicos Dabizas and this season it's my turn. Only there's no way back for me."

As revealed in yesterday's Chronicle, United midfielder Silvio Maric has joined Porto in a #2 million deal.

Striker Paul Robinson was in London today talking over a #1 million move to First Division side Wimbledon.

Hmm - Helder for Marcelino. OK in my book but I think I'd want some money coming back to us. Have to be bliddy sure of Helder's fitness.

Silvia deal done??

Robbo to Wombles - for #6M less than we just paid them for Cort.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2000

Answers

A lot of gossip, stories etc seem to concern the center back positions at the Toon and who is the best pairing. I cannot comment not having seen enough live games but if just say Bobby is looking to the future as well as the present, a number of experienced, seasoned observers up here including Wee Broon the national manager have waxed lyrical about young Caldwell looking to make his mark at international level after this season. Theres a boatload in front of him at the Toon incl Beharrel, I shall be looking at Softies reserves reports with a great deal of interest next year, and keep faith in Coppinger Softie, does not require beefing up, quick and pacy up front will be the way

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2000