From Skysports news FRENCH SLAM TOON MOVE Wednesday 4th August 2004 Officials at French side Le Havre are furious with Premiership side Newcastle United at their attempts to sign youngster Charles N'Ziobia. Sir Bobby Robson was thought to have already sealed the capture of the talented teenager, but his current club have reacted angrily to their interest.

The 18-year-old still has a youth contract with Le Havre until 2006 and they are in no mood to just let him leave.

Club chairman Jean-Pierre Louvel has blasted Newcastle's attempts to sign N'Ziobia and that he will remain a Le Havre player - even threatening to get Fifa involved in the matter.

"He can sign what he wants, he still belongs to Le Havre," fumed Louvel in L'Equipe.

"We have proposed him a contract during the period set by Fifa, but he refused that contract.

"After we sent a fax, Newcastle replied on Monday to tell about their interest in N'Ziobia and that they want to hire him.

"But for us, there is no way we will let him leave.

"It is the same case as that between Auxerre and Sissoko (who joined Valencia last season). As Auxerre should win the case, we will continue until the end."

Le Havre's stubborn attempts to keep hold of N'Ziobia may be in vain if Newcastle go all-out to sign him, although the French outfit will be demanding a high price for his services.

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2004