French winger Laurent Robert is hoping to secure a sensational return to Newcastle United, three years after leaving following a fall out with then gaffer Graeme Souness. The 34-year-old spent five years on Tyneside between 2001 and 2006.

He was loaned out to Portsmouth before moving on to Benfica, followed by spells at Levante, Derby and Toronto FC followed, but Robert is now a free agent after parting company with Greek outfit Larissa.

He has now set his heart on a switch to Championship leaders Newcastle, and has persuaded Magpies new-boy Fabrice Pancrate to pass his details on to manager Chris Hughton.

"Laurent is in talks with Paris St Germain at the moment but he told me he would love to come back here," said former PSG winger Pancrate.

"He loves the club and says if they wanted him he'd definitely come back.

"I have spoken to the manager and given him his number."