Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has admitted his regret that the club allowed Louis Saha to slip through their fingers. The Frenchman, who is close to moving from Fulham to Manchester United, was with the Magpies on loan during the 1998-99 season.
"We had him and let him go," Robson told the Newcastle Journal newspaper.
"I like the look of him a lot, he is a very good player indeed, an outstanding player in fact."
Saha struggled at St James' Park and was allowed to leave by then-manager Ruud Gullit.
But Robson, who has admitted he is keen to improve his attacking options, is an admirer of the talented striker.
"I've seen a lot of him, but he really came to my attention last year and he scored a wonderful goal against us down there this season," Robson added.
"He's quick, left-footed and very good in the air. He can play as a twin striker or he can play up there alone. "I'm not surprised at all that Sir Alex Ferguson wants him, a lot of clubs would.
"We had him here and could have bought him, but we let him go. You get some, you lose some, but it's a shame because he is a very fine player."
One consolation for Robson is that Saha will not now play for the Cottagers against Newcastle at St James' Park on Monday due to his impending move.
MMIX
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