Woodgate is out for six weeks because of injury

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson has refused to comment on speculation linking him with an �8m move for Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate.

Robson is desperate to sign a new centre-back and, with Leeds equally desperate to generate income to reduce their debts, obvious links have been made.

But Robson said: "We are not idling away but we can't say anything.

"The ones we like are the ones everyone likes.

"Some are not available and some could be available but at silly money, so that kills it anyway.

"We are just working away and waiting for a move."

Robson has also been tipped to scupper Leeds' potential move for Brazilian Kleberson.

The Newcastle manager is keen to strengthen his side's Champions League challenge after Saturday's 2-0 win over Manchester City lifted the Magpies to third in the Premiership.

Alan Shearer's goal after just 10.5 seconds equalled Ledley King's record for the fastest Premiership goal and set Newcastle on their way to a 10th successive Premiership home win.

Shearer celebrates his record-equalling goal

Shearer charged down goalkeeper Carlo Nash's attempted clearance and poked home the loose ball to leave Robson drooling: "It's quite impossible to score a quicker goal than 10.5 seconds in the Premiership.

"You couldn't run that far in 10 seconds, let alone score. It was a fortuitous goal, but you have to give credit to Alan.

"He chased the back pass - he got close to him and he scored with his left foot, one of Alan Shearer's rare left-foot goals.

"I thought it was a wonderful game from a spectator's point of view and as a football match.

"It was highly entertaining because it see-sawed from one end to the other."

That was scant consolation for City boss Kevin Keegan, who paid �15m for Shearer when he was in charge at St James' Park.

He said: "He's the best, it's a simple as that.

"If you keep him quiet, you've played exceptionally well.

"He's their leader and most teams would die for leadership like that.

"It'seasy to make a signing like that if you've got the money.

"We paid �15m in one hit for Alan Shearer and people questioned it at the time.

"But you might look on it as the bargain of a lifetime even in the present transfer market, not because of what he's done, but also what he's still capable of doing."