Hot on the trail of this mornings transfer link to Da Silva the Uruguyan forward, here's another Silva, we are rumoured to be interested in.

NEWCASTLE UNITED'S search for defensive fortitude has again led them to Holland, with Sparta Rotterdam's teenage sensation David Mendes Da Silva the latest player to come to manager Bobby Robson's attention. The highly-promising defender came into his own in the 2000-01 Eredivisie season and anchored Sparta's right-hand side, once he established himself in the team. Having only made four appearances in the previous season, Mendes impressed with his mature performances and made the right back slot his own, playing 33 times and scoring a solitary goal. Mendes is an Under-18 international for Holland, although at the moment he must surely be seen as a long-term project, with current incumbent Warren Barton being pressurised by Andy Griffin. Ajax were rumoured to be interested in the player but appear to have decided against a bid for the Rotterdam-born Mendes. However, the 19-year-old is wanted by two other Dutch clubs, who have not been put off by the 10 million guilder price tag. Eduard Burleson, Mendes's agent said: "David doesn't have to hurry, he can wait for a good offer." Speaking about the rumours, Mendes said: "I don't think about it very much. At the moment the play-offs are really important. "I am too young. Maybe it's better for my development to stay another season with Sparta. I could learn so much from Wim van Hanagem." Burleson believes it is 50:50 whether or not his client will stay with Sparta, saying: "It depends on the development of the club. "Which players will come to the club, will van Hanagem stay as coach? If nothing changes, Sparta will have the same problems as last season." If Sparta are relegated from the Eredivisie, it seems Mendes's departure will be facilitated, but he is optimistic about the future, saying: "This is a step in the right direction. I am happy we beat Excelsior, because I don't want to play in the First Division. "I am confident we will be in the Eredivisie. Next Wednesday we must win against Cambuur."

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2001

Answers

More promising youngsters?

Sparta Rotterdam teenager David Mendes da Silva has attracted interest from former PSV Eindhoven boss Bobby Robson.

The former England coach, now in charge at Newcastle United, has been very impressed with the 18-year-old defender, according to Sparta technical manager Dolf Roks.

``The interest in David is very serious,'' said Roks.

``He and his personal manager Burleson went to Newcastle to see how things are done over there.''

Roks expects the Premiership club to start negotiations this week for Mendes da Silva, who is under contract in Rotterdam until 2005.

Ajax have also shown an interest in the Dutch youth international but were put off by the £2.9million asking price.

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2001

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-- Anonymous, June 12, 2001

I've finally worked out how De Builder has become the number one poster on this board. He's just correcting his HTML!

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2001