Robson confirms De Pedro pursuit

SIR BOBBY ROBSON admits Real Sociedad's Javier De Pedro remains on his summer shopping list and has stated his admiration for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta.

The Newcastle United manager has been tracking De Pedro for several months after being impressed with the Spanish international's displays for the Liga table-toppers.

The Magpies have been repeatedly linked with a bid for the 29-year-old, who is under contract at the Anoeta until next summer.

Robson has affirmed that he would love to lure De Pedro to St James' Park and will monitor the attacking midfielder's performances during the ensuing weeks.

But while the veteran boss is an admirer of the influential Sociedad ace, he concedes De Pedro has no desire to leave the Basque outfit.

"It is true that I like him very much," Robson told the Spanish media. "But he does not want to leave Real Sociedad, so nothing will happen there.

"But he is one of many players that I have on my list to look at over the summer."

Another player on Robson's agenda is Barcelona's Brazilian star Motta, who scored in both Champions League meetings between the clubs this season.

Robson is a huge aficionado of Motta's all-round ability and believes the South American has been one of the most impressive players in La Liga.

He added: "I love the way Thiago Motta plays. He can play in several positions, is a very good passer of the ball, has a great left foot and is very fast."

The Magpies chief also hailed the talent of Juventus's inspirational midfielder Pavel Nedved and paid the Czech Republic maestro a massive compliment.

Robson continued: "He is the best player in his position in the world.

"The diagonal runs he makes are superb and, when he runs from the centre of midfield, he is very dangerous."