NEWCASTLE UNITED have abandoned their pursuit of Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate.

Sir Bobby Robson has instead made Tottenham Hotspur right-back Stephen Carr and Feyenoord's Brett Emerton his top two summer transfer targets.

Newcastle manager Robson was keen to strengthen his Champions League hand by prising Southgate from Boro, who have missed out on a top-ten finish in each of his first two seasons on Teesside.

But Robson has decided against moving for 32-year-old Southgate, whom he wanted to sign for £3m, and he has now switched his attention elsewhere.

Manchester United and Liverpool remain interested in Southgate, however, and Middlesbrough face a stern battle to keep their captain this summer.

Robson may target another centre-back during the transfer window, which opens for three months on Sunday, but signing Carr and Emerton is his main priority.

Carr, 26, returned to form for Tottenham last season after missing the entire 2001-02 campaign and the World Cup through injury.

The Republic of Ireland star had a cruciate knee ligament operation from Dr Richard Steadman, who has also treated Newcastle's Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy.

But he proved his return to fitness in the season that finished earlier this month by making 32 appearances for his club.

Carr, a dangerous attacking full-back, is a firm favourite among the Spurs faithful and has spent ten years at White Hart Lane.

But after another disappointing season for Tottenham, who again missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Cup, he is expected to leave this summer.

Carr's contract is due to expire in June 2004 and, with Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal also interested in him, a £4m offer from Newcastle would probably secure his signature.

Tottenham will reject out of hand any attempt to include £7m misfit Carl Cort in a deal as they are on the verge of signing at least one other striker - thought to be Brighton's Bobby Zamora.

Robson was forced to deploy Andy O'Brien at right-back on occasions last season and Carr would displace Andy Griffin as the Newcastle boss's first choice for that position.

The Magpies have been keen on Emerton, who scored in Australia's win over England at Upton Park in February, for two years.

Arsenal, Leeds United and Liverpool have also watched the 24-year-old on numerous occasions, but Newcastle are the firm favourites to grant his wish to play Premiership football.

Newcastle had an £8m offer for Emerton turned down last August, but he is available now for just £4m because his contract has just a year left to run.

Feyenoord need to sell players to finance the rebuilding of their side after they missed out on a place in next season's Champions League.

The arrival of Emerton, who can play at right-back or on the right side of midfield, would push Nobby Solano even closer to the St James' Park exit.

Meanwhile, Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks has claimed that Newcastle are unlikely to make another offer for striker Darren Bent.

They tried to sign 19-year-old Bent in January but Ipswich are adamant that they have not received a second attempt to snap up one of their most prized assets.

Sheepshanks said: "There's been no new bid for Darren and I would be very surprised if there were to be one.

"While we can never guarantee young players like Darren will never be sold due to our financial position, we have no intention of letting any of them go.

"Joe Royle is looking to build the team around these youngsters."