AJAX boss Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Newcastle United have failed with a cut-price £1m bid for Hatem Trabelsi.

The Tunisia right-back is one of Sir Bobby Robson's key targets as the United manager seeks to solve a problem position in his defence.

Although the versatile Aaron Hughes has acquitted himself well at right-back, Robson wants an orthodox operator after Andy Griffin's free-transfer move to Portsmouth, and Trabelsi fits the bill.

The North African has been at the centre of a contractual wrangle with Ajax which ended up in court.

Trabelsi, 27, complained to the Dutch FA that he was entitled to a Bosman transfer this summer and instigated legal proceedings.

But both the football authorities and the courts found in favour of Ajax, who insisted they had an option on him for a further two years.

The Amsterdam giants, however, are prepared to cash in now at the right price rather than hold on to an unhappy player.

Juventus are among Trabelsi's admirers, and Koeman said: "Newcastle want to buy him, but the offer they made was unacceptable.''

Sources close to Ajax have indicated that the offer was worth 1.5m euros, around £1m, but Amsterdam ArenA chiefs are believed to want nearer £3m.

Robson may now step up his interest in Leeds right-back Danny Mills, who spent last season on loan with Middlesbrough.

Boro were interested in a permanent deal, but now believe they can do without Mills, who has been made available on a free transfer by cash-strapped Leeds and is understood to be looking to secure a £50,000-a-week contract from prospective suitors.

Birmingham are among them and Mills has admitted he would consider returning to his first club, newly-promoted Norwich.

Boro have turned their attention to Dutch duo Mario Melchiot and Michael Reiziger, who are available on free transfers from Chelsea and Barcelona, and attracting the attention of Villarreal and Valencia respectively.

Boro are also still monitoring Patrick Kluivert, who like compatriot Reiziger has been told he can leave Barca, even though the striker insists he isn't keen on a move to the Riverside.

Newcastle, however, look to have finally called off their protracted pursuit of £80,000-a-week Kluivert.

Boro are equally eager to strengthen their attack, and hope to have talks with Leeds striker Mark Viduka this week.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana maintains he wants to remain on Tyneside - and play for "the best fans in the world''.

Despite his failure to secure a regular place since signing from Sporting Lisbon for £8.5m two years ago, Viana said: "I would like to be happy at Newcastle.

"It is a big club, with a big history and has the best fans in the world - at least the best I know.

"The way they live so intensely for the club makes me proud to represent Newcastle. Even if things have not gone as I would have wanted after all the expectations following my transfer, it does not stop this being a big club which offers players the best possible conditions.

"I never play in my position (central midfield). But even so, I do not complain and it has allowed me to improve other aspects of my game.

"Things may not have gone well for me, but I do not have to justify the money spent on me because I always give my best."

* Sunderland are seeking talks with Julio Arca, aimed at extending his contract and warding off interest in the Argentinian midfielder. West Brom and Celtic are tracking Arca, whose current contract runs out in a year's time.

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