Southend United's highly-rated defender Leon Cort today denied any knowledge of an imminent £200,000 move to Premiership giants Newcastle.

St James' Park boss, Sir Bobby Robson, is believed to be an admirer of the 23-year-old, who is the brother of Toon striker Carl.

Leon Cort - no knowledge of any interest from Newcastle United Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

But the Shrimpers centre-half said he knew nothing of a proposed club reunion with his older sibling.

"It's very flattering to be linked with a massive club like Newcastle, but as far as I'm concerned it is all just newspaper talk," said Cort.

"I obviously want to play at the highest level possible --which is of course the Premiership -- but I know nothing about any move north to St James' Park.

"Hopefully, this sort of speculation means that people think I've had a good season with Southend, which is nice, but I'm sure the fact my brother plays for Newcastle has also got a lot to do with the rumours."

Cort revealed he hoped to sit down with Blues' co-owner Ron Martin and cement his Roots Hall future next week.

"There has been a new deal on the table for quite a while now and I'd like to get things sorted out," added the former Millwall player, who is out of contract this summer.

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Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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