BENFICA yesterday issued a double "hands off'' warning to transfer market predators Newcastle United.

Under-21 star Luis Miguel has emerged as the latest in a long line of Portuguese prospects to come under the Magpies' scrutiny.

Manager Bobby Robson snapped up Portugal's teenage midfield prodigy Hugo Viana from Sporting Lisbon a fortnight ago in a shock £8.5m deal, and this week admitted his interest in Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa.

The £7m-plus asking price seems certain to deter United from pursuing 22-year-old Sabrosa, and Benfica have now warned they would be wasting their time with a move for teammate Miguel.

Benfica also dismissed suggestions that United had made an approach for the versatile 22-year-old midfielder, who recently starred for Portugal alongside Viana in the UEFA Under-21 Championships in Switzerland, and is rated at up to £4m.

A spokesman for the Lisbon giants said: "We are not aware of any contact from Newcastle about Miguel.

"There are always rumours but we intend to challenge for the championship next season and do not intend to sell any players.''

Luis Miguel Brito Garcia Monteiro joined Benfica two seasons ago from Estrela da Amadora and scored six times in 27 matches last season as the Eagles finished the season in fourth place.

Newcastle were also last night reported to be interested in Udinese's Spanish midfielder Luis Helguera, who has attracted the attention of Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Newcastle expect the £5m signing of centre-back Titus Bramble from Ipswich to go through in the next two weeks.

The deal is on hold until United are satisfied that the England Under-21 international has made a complete recovery from a summer heel operation.

l Newcastle's game at Birmingham on Saturday, September 28, has become their second match selected for pay-per-view coverage next season. The game now kicks off at 5.30pm.

The visit of Leeds on Wednesday, September 11 (8.00) will also be available on pay-per-view.

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