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Marseille's Egyptian striker Mido claims he is set to hold talks with Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson.
Mido has not had the expected impact since arriving at Marseille in the summer of 2003 from Ajax and is believed to be one of the players l'OM coach Jose Anigo will look to move on.
The talented Egyptian was linked with Newcastle last summer, but Robson opted against getting involved in a bidding war as he felt he had enough strikers on the books at St James' Park.
It would appear the veteran tactician has continued to monitor Mido's progress and circumstances could now see Robson dip into his transfer kitty.
Mido claims he will speak to Robson before assessing the options open to him, which suggests he could be in line for a move to St James' Park.
"I am not sure if I will stay at Marseille or not," Mido told Egyptianplayers.com. "There are many clubs interested. They are AS Roma, Atletico Madrid, Newcastle and also Besiktas of Turkey.
"I may have a meeting in the next couple of days with Sir Bobby Robson to discuss a possible transfer to Newcastle.
"I will look carefully at all offers before making my decision."
Newcastle could well perceive Mido as the perfect striking capture, as Alan Shearer has made no secret of the need for the club to find his long-term replacement.
Mido's power and ability in the air mark him out as a potential replacement for Shearer, and Robson is likely to have space in his squad for new faces if Tresor Lomana Lua Lua is sold to Portsmouth.
Pompey have the chance to sign Lua Lua and his sale could see Robson handed the green light to press home a move for a player he has admired for some time.