NEWCASTLE United have failed in their bid to bring Leeds striker Michael Bridges in on loan until the end of the season, writes Adam Murray..

Sir Bobby Robson was looking to tie up a deal for the Whitley Bay-born former Sunderland forward before the transfer window shuts at 5pm today.

But, following the Leeds' players agreement to a 25 per cent wage deferral, the Elland Road club have stated they want all their players to remain until the end of the season.

Robson said: "What I've been told is that Leeds United, under the present circumstances, will not allow any player to go.

"That is how I understood the situation to be on Friday night."

Robson, however, is still hopeful of finalising a £2m deal with Tottenham for full-back Stephen Carr.

But when quizzed about the possibility of the Republic of Ireland international moving from Spurs to Tyneside, Robson was still giving nothing away.

He said; "When we sign a player we'll let people know. We are just keeping our powder dry."

* Portsmouth will today attempt to persuade Lomana LuaLua to join them on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal. The DR Congo captain - who missed yesterday's 1-0 defeat against Rwanda because of suspension - is due back in England this morning.

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