NEWCASTLE UNITED transfer target Victor Fernandez has dealt a blow to any hopes the North East club had of signing him by admitting that he is happy to stay at Villarreal and would only consider a move to a club consistently challenging for honours. Magpies boss Bobby Robson has been keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder and he was believed to be weighing up a bid for the player, who has been in tremendous form this season.

Victor is his club's top scorer this season with 11 goals and his form has attracted a lot of interest from clubs across Europe.

Newcastle had representatives watching the 26-year-old in action against Barcelona last weekend where he scored twice fuelling speculation that they were going to try and sign him for next season.

The Spanaird admitted he was aware of Newcastle's interest but denied knowing of any move for him and said that if there was he would reject them to stay with Villarreal.

"I’ve heard that Newcastle have sent scouts to watch me in a few games, most recently last Sunday against Barcelona," Victor told his own official website.

"I don’t know anything apart from what I’ve read, but it’s always nice to be noticed. Villarreal are having a big season and I’m sure that there will be more rumours about me.

"But I intend to stay at Villarreal as I’m very satisfied here, and I would only leave to go to a big club that has serious ambitions to win titles," said Victor.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

Answers

I understand the players. Before the hunt for players start the club must have something to show them. They wont come here unless the see us a potential winners of trophies. They better launch a short and longterm plan for that...very soon now.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

Always felt "Victor" smacked of being a bit of a wanker's name...

Victor Green
Victor Meldrew
Victor Book for Boys
Victor Fernandez

Makes sense

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

It's all a load of bollocks anyway. We send a scout to a game and he could be watching anyone out of up to almost 26 players.

These players are reacting to tabloid gossip and not to overtures from the club.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001