GINOLA CHASE; Barcelona bidding for Magpies' ace.

Newcastle United star David Ginola is a pounds 5 million target for Barcelona, writes Bill Mills.

The Spanish giants, now managed by former England boss Bobby Robson, are desperate to sign an attacking left-sided midfielder - and they see Ginola as the ideal man.

Barcelona kept tabs on the French ace throughout his successful first season in on Tyneside - and Robson has been given the funds to ensure Barcelona bounce back from a barren season.

Ginola has shot to the top of Geordie-born Robson's wanted list following a failed bid to sign Portuguese international winger Paulinho Santos from Oporto.

Robson held three meetings with Barcelona president Jose Luis Nunez last week to convince him to fund a Ginola swoop. He has also been linked with Teddy Sheringham - but a wide man remains his priority.

And the richest club in Spain is ready to bid big for Ginola as they try to ensure no repeat of last year - trophyless - which cost Johann Cruyff his job.

News of Robson's interest has already broken in Spain - the leading sports paper Marca carried the story in Madrid yesterday.

Ginola is reported to be interested in Robson's approach. He is "happy to make the effort to be understood" in England - but feels he will always be considered a foreigner.

But Ginola has been an instant hit for manager Kevin Keegan, and Robson will find it hard to persuade Newcastle to sell.

Keegan is more interested in building on the squad that went so close to winning the Premiership in May.

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Title Annotation:	Sport
Author:	Mills, Bill
Publication:	Sunday Mirror (London, England)
Date:	Jul 7, 1996
Words:	254
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