Here's today's transfer target peeps. After the last Croatian debacle would we be wise to have another one?

RIO FERDINAND'S £18million move to Leeds has left Bobby and Bryan Robson free to battle it out for Croatian centre-back Robert Kovac.

Leeds boss David O'Leary had been keeping tabs on Kovac in case he failed to land the West Ham star.

But now the Robsons, Newcastle boss Bobby and Middlesbrough chief Bryan, are in a straight fight to land Kovac, who is available from German side Bayer Leverkusen for £5m.

Bayer have decided to cash in on German-born Kovac, 26, now they have crashed out of the Champions League.

Kovac signed for Leverkusen, who top the Bundesliga, in 1998.

He played in Croatia's 1-1 draw in the World Cup qualifier at home to Scotland last month.

Both Robsons have been searching desperately since the start of the season for a strong central defender.

Newcastle need to build up their defensive strength after selling Steve Howey and Laurent Charvet to Manchester City. The Magpies also have Greek international Nikos Dabizas on the injury list.

Spanish ace Marcelino has fallen out of favour with the management at St James' Park.

-- Anonymous, November 23, 2000