Newcastle, Celtic, Burnley, Forest... who is next?

Newcastle, Birmingham, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, Hearts and Hibs..... but, who will be the next club linked with Dundee United captain Barry Robson?

The influential 29-year-old midfielder has already scored 11 goals for United this season and is one of the main reasons why Craig Levein`s side currently occupy 3rd place in the SPL.

However, his impressive form has caught the eye of several larger clubs, with Kevin Keegan admitting that he wants both Robson and Portsmouth`s Sol Campbell to be his first acquisitions as the newly re-appointed Newcastle manager

Robson joined Dundee United from Inverness Caley Thistle in July 2003 for £50,000, but it`s under the leadership of Craig Levein that Robson has emerged as one of the best midfielders in Scotland.

With his inch perfect crossing, passing and ability to turn matches by scoring amazing goals from dead-ball situations, it's no surprise that several larger clubs are sniffing round.

However, Dundee United are unlikely to let there talented captain leave without a fight, as manager Craig Levein has admitted several times in recent weeks.

"Obviously, we don't want to lose him," Levein told the BBC earlier in the season.

"Barry is worth a lot of money to us in order to keep our top six place and hopefully get to at least one cup final."

"He is under contract for another three years and I have had no indication he wants to leave."

"People are only worth what folk are willing to pay for them but when you look around at what other people are going for and compare them to someone of Barry's ability then I'd say he's worth £1.5million or even £2million."

"I'd love to keep Barry forever and if somebody makes an offer then I will stand and discuss it, but I don't see the point just now."

United chairman Eddie Thompson has also agreed with his club`s manager.

"We won't be easy to deal with and Barry Robson won't be going anywhere cheaply," Thompson announced to the BBC.

Meanwhile, the player himself has been playing down a lot of the speculation, but has admitted he would like to play at the highest level he can before the end of this football career.

Robson scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Aberdeen at the weekend, helping to propel United back into 3rd place in the SPL.

"I have absolutely no idea what will happen," claimed captain Robson.

"At the moment I am just concentrating on playing for Dundee United, but obviously I want to progress as far as I can in my football career."