ROBSON SCOUTING DIVISION ONE DUO

NEWCASTLE UNITED may be set to renew their interest in Blackburn winger Damien Duff and Nottingham Forest midfielder David Prutton, after sending scouts to the City Ground at the weekend.

Magpies director of football Gordon Milne took in the fixture, which saw Forest run out 2-1 winners, and the performance of Duff saw positive reports return to Tyneside.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson is a huge admirer of the Republic of Ireland international and he would bolster the St James` Park squad, which is short of talented cover on the left flank.

Although Robson would dearly love to bring the 21-year-old to Newcastle, Rovers boss Graeme Souness is sure to resist all offers for the winger.

If Blackburn attain Premiership status next term, it could be difficult for Robson to lure him away from Ewood Park.

However, if Rovers stumble at the final hurdle, the young starlet, who has a further season to run on his contract, may be tempted by the prospect of Premiership football.

Souness, though, has decided to allow certain individuals leave the Division One club, placing Burton O`Brien, David McNamee, and James Corbett on the transfer list, while releasing five other players.

Prutton, meanwhile, has been a Magpies target for some time and would bolster the midfield, but Forest boss David Platt has previously stated that he wants to hold on to the talented 19-year-old for as long as possible.