BOBBY ROBSON is preparing for the disbandment of Newcastle United's "bluechip brigade".

Robson was rocked yesterday when midfield kingpin Robert Lee handed him a written transfer request following the breakdown of talks over a new contract.

And right-back Warren Barton added to Robson's problems when he demanded a clear-the-air meeting after learning in the manager's absence on Thursday that he was axed from the squad for today's game at Bolton.

Manchester City's former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is likely to lead the chase for Lee.

But Robson was quick to insist that the 35-year-old, who becomes a free agent in January under the Bosman ruling, will honour his contract, which runs out at the end of the season.

The Newcastle board are refusing to discuss new terms with Lee and fellow former England international Barton until New Year.

But Lee attempted to force the issue with his dramatic gesture only two months after celebrating his testimonial at St James' Park with a game against Athletic Bilbao.

Lee, who joined United just over nine years ago when Keegan lured him from Charlton in a £700,000 deal, read out a prepared statement immediately before Robson's pre-match press conference yesterday.

He said: "Because of the contract situation between myself and the club and the differences we have in opinion, I've requested a transfer from Newcastle.

"Obviously it's not something I wanted to do - it's probably the most difficult decision I've made in my career.

"But it's something I need to do and hopefully everybody will understand why I'm doing it.''

Lee is Alan Shearer's closest friend at Newcastle and is seen by some as his potential right-hand man if the skipper eventually succeeds 68-year-old Robson in the hot-seat.

Along with Shearer and Lee - and the recently-returned Robbie Elliott - Barton represents part of the last link with the Keegan era on Tyneside.

Like Lee, former Wimbledon defender Barton, a £4m recruit in June 1995, is out of contract next summer and is understood to be attracting interest from Crystal Palace.

Robson, however, is confident that 32-year-old Barton won't follow Lee's lead and ask for a move.

And the United boss hasn't given up hope that Lee will ultimately agree a new deal.

"They are both members of our bluechip brigade, who kept this club afloat when we didn't have too many people rowing,'' said Robson.

"I'm extremely sorry that Robert Lee has asked for a transfer, but he won't change his mind and he has that right.

"The club also have the right to make sure he honours his contract. If we feel that is right, that is what will happen. We'll think about it.

"But he's in the squad and I wouldn't think for a moment that it would affect him. He's a good professional and a fantastic player. He will take some replacing.

"He's looking to extend his contract and the club have said they will look at the situation in January, but he won't accept that.

"He asked for a new contract last year and we gave him a one-year extension which covered his testimonial.

"I brought him back into the squad two years ago after Ruud Gullit left. Ruud wouldn't even give him a number, but I gave him his place.

"It's a possibility that, come January, he will be offered a new contract and decide to stay. He's a very fine player, the best passer at the club.

"Warren's situation is the same regarding his contract. The club's decision is they would like to wait until New Year before deciding what to do.

"I'm using the squad and there's a fight for places. Warren's obviously disappointed after playing at Barnsley on Tuesday when he did well.

"But I don't think he'll do what Rob has done and ask for a transfer. Charlton came in for him at the start of the season and it was decided we would possibly take the offer.

"But the negotiations between the clubs proved unsatisfactory so the thing didn't go through.

"I was away from the club on Wednesday and Thursday this week and I phoned my intentions to my coach, John Carver, so that we could put the travelling squad for Bolton up on the notice board.

"I have Aaron Hughes fit again and plenty of players at the back. There's a fight for places and there will be one or two players who will have to be out of the side because of the squad system, as it is at the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds.

"We're building a bigger and better squad. I'm delighted Warren has been in to see me. I wouldn't want him to be pleased about it.

He's done this in a very professional manner and I've got nothing but respect for Warren.

"He's been left out of the squad for this weekend, but next weekend is a completely different story.

"I decided to rest him this weekend because he played at Barnsley and he's had a nasty hip injury, and twice in the last few weeks he's had to come off.''

With Andy Griffin still out with a groin injury, centre-back Hughes is likely to be switched to the right-back position.

Meanwhile, Elliott makes his first return to the Reebok Stadium today since his free transfer move from Bolton in the summer.

Robson said: "They've lost their last two home games in the Premiership to Southampton and Sunderland and they'll be anxious to avoid a hat-trick of defeats.

"But we don't want to be the fall guys.''

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