DAVID MENDES DA SILVA`S agent has exclusively confirmed to planetfootball.com that Newcastle United have made a bid for his client, but revealed that Ajax have now joined the race for the starlet.

Newcastle`s interest was previously confirmed by Edward Burleson to planetfootball, but now he has revealed that Bobby Robson has firmed up his interest and lodged a bid with Sparta.

"They [Newcastle] have made a bid, but I cannot say how much that is for, they have come in over the last week," Burleson told planetfootball.

However, Newcastle`s intentions have alerted Ajax who have made a rival bid.

"Ajax were interested a few months ago and now they have read the newspaper reports about Newcastle and they have come back in and made a bid," Burleson continued.

"I see more teams coming in, I know the situation Holland and I think it will be foreign clubs that come in for him."

Burleson does not know where Mendes da Silva will end up, but did reveal that the 18-year-old - who is playing for Holland in the World Under-19 Championships - would love a move to England.

"The most beautiful competition in the world is The Premier League in David`s eyes and he is ready for it now.

"He will make his choice, but he likes to move on and he is adventurous and he thinks his abilities are good enough.

"He has gone to Argentina to play in the World Championship and he is back in two weeks, when his future should be decided. He will then make his decision on who he wants to join.

"Sparta have given a deadline and they want a decision when he returns from Argentina."

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Answers

The IC Newcastle site seem to reckon that the deal is done and we have agreed a fee of £1million rising to £3million if he 'does the business'. They also say it could end United's interest in Lee Clarke.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Bloody agents sticking their snouts in the trough again

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

hopefully not another Pinas

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

surely this will take more than two weeks to conclude, two weeks only takes us up to July 2nd

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001

Rumours here are that Ajax are offering a cash + players deal.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2001