Geordie in line to become next boss

Gaffer Shear

ALAN SHEARER is to stay on at Newcastle after being told he is No1 choice to replace boss Sir Bobby Robson.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd has decided he wants Shearer after his other target, Steve Bruce, signed a new five-year contract at Birmingham.

Ex-England skipper Shearer — in his final season as a player — hinted he could quit if he did not get regular games. He also admitted he had offers from several big clubs.

So Shepherd is ready to meet Shearer (above) to outline his plans for the future after months of uncertainty over who will take over from Robson, 71.

A Toon source revealed: "It is almost certain Shearer will be the next boss.

"The chairman has always said the next manager will be a Geordie and with Steve Bruce now out of the frame it just leaves Shearer to replace Sir Bobby next summer."

Oliver on his way

 MIDFIELD dynamo Olivier Dacourt is ready to move back to England, with Spurs and Liverpool chasing his signature.

The French star wants to quit Italian side Roma after boss Fabio Capello joined rivals Juventus.

Continual late payment of his wages has also made up Dacourt's mind and his agent says there is ‘an 80 per cent chance' the former Leeds ace, 29, will end his career in the Premiership.

New Spurs boss Jacques Santini is favourite to swoop after playing him in the French national team. His support for Dacourt even ended Emmanuel Petit's international career.

But Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez is looking for a strongman alongside Steven Gerrard and is tipped to bid.

A spokesman for Dacourt (above right) said: "Ollie sees the English league as made for someone with his game."