Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan hopes to sign three players this month, with Dundee United captain Barry Robson, 29, a midfielder capped once by Scotland, the unexpected name closest to joining the club.

"We just need general strengthening up," said the Geordies' manager. "If I could bring in three players in the next two weeks, that would be fantastic, but I don't want to park players here.

"I know the three I would like but I might not get any of them. This is a difficult time to look for players."