Newslines: Newcastle target Leboeuf

Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf is being tempted to move from the London club to Premiership rivals Newcastle.

Newcastle want to strengthen their defence and Leboeuf is believed to be top of manager Bobby Robson's list even though that would mean having to match or better the 32-year-old's current weekly wage of £25,000 sterling.

Leboeuf has become a hate figure for many Chelsea's fans who believe his public criticisms of popular former manager Gianluca Vialli helped the Italian get the sack at Stamford Bridge.

During Chelsea's unconvincing home 1-0 UEFA Cup first-round first-leg win against Swiss champions St Gallen last Thursday, Leboeuf's early touches were booed by large sections of the crowd, an experience that stunned the player.

"I have never been so depressed as I was after the game against St Gallen," Leboeuf said.

One player definitely heading to the north-east is Lomana Tresor Lua Lua. Second division club Colchester confirmed yesterday they had accepted Newcastle's £2.25 million bid for their striker.

The 19-year-old has scored five goals in nine appearances for Colchester this season, making the Zaire-born Lua Lua one of the most talked about players outside the Premiership.

UEFA yesterday revealed that their president Lennart Johansson fell ill during a trip to the Olympics this week and has been fitted with a pacemaker. The Swede suffered a reaction to his flight to Australia and is now recuperating after his operation.

UEFA chief executive Gerhard Aigner said: "Mr Johannson is already on the way to a full recovery following a slight adverse reaction to his flight to Australia to view the Olympic football tournament. He has been fitted with a pacemaker and following a few days rest he will be back to normal duties."

Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale is determined to maintain a warm welcome to all races at Elland Road. Ridsdale is on a mission to cut out racist abuse among United supporters and yesterday reiterated his promise that any fans issuing such threats will be banned for life.

His comments come on a day that also saw a new initiative launched into eradicating similar problems in amateur football throughout England.

"We will never become complacent at Leeds," Ridsdale said. "If supporters are guilty of racism then they will be banned for life. As for the players we have a multi-racial team and no problems as far as I'm aware."