SIR BOBBY ROBSON is preparing to test Leeds United's resolve to keep Jonathan Woodgate after the Elland Road club's hopes of easing their financial crisis collapsed.

After expecting to recoup £7m for Robbie Fowler and up to £4m on the sale of Seth Johnson to Middlesbrough, Leeds have seen both proposed deals founder.

Manchester City's move for Fowler was called off last week, while Steve McClaren has yet to make a firm offer for Johnson.

With Leeds labouring under a debt that has only been marginally reduced since they revealed last June that they owed £77m, the club are under pressure to sell before the transfer window closes.

And Robson, who is prepared to pay £9m for Woodgate, knows Leeds counterpart Terry Venables is desperate to appease Elland Road chiefs by offloading another player.

Leeds recouped only £500,000 for Lee Bowyer, while Roma have not paid a loan fee for Olivier Dacourt and will not give Leeds £4.6m for the France midfielder until the summer.

Having been told to trim the playing staff by four when he became manager, Venables has removed that many players from the wage bill - but has at the same time made three additions to the squad.

And with Leeds emerging yesterday as possible candidates for the signature of £3m centre-back Matthew Upson, any Newcastle offer for Woodgate would be given a sympathetic reception by the Elland Road money men.

Leeds value Woodgate, currently out of action for six weeks with a torn thigh muscle, at £12m, but their need for money is so great that they would be forced to consider accepting a lower bid.

Robson is still in the market for a centre-back and was last night linked with Italian defender Nicola Legrottaglie, who plays for Chievo.

But the Newcastle manager is a keen admirer of Woodgate, who celebrates his 23rd birthday tomorrow, and recently made an inquiry about the England international's availability.

That was rebuffed, but Leeds' dire financial situation and their failure to bring in transfer cash during the transfer window has paved the way for Newcastle to launch another approach.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are keeping tabs on Italian striker Federico Peluso after his Tyneside trial was cut short by injury.

The 19-year-old, who plays for Serie C club Pro Vercelli, was hurt early in his recent spell with Newcastle. But the Magpies are still interested in Peluso, who is an Italy Under 19-international, and will continue to monitor his progress.

Newcastle were last night linked with a £4.5m move for Brazil's World Cup-winning midfielder Kleberson, who is also wanted by Leeds.

* Last night's reserve game with Blackburn was washed out.