FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Newcastle chief executive Freddie Fletcher insisted Wednesday that England skipper Alan Shearer was not for sale at any price.

Shearer has been linked with Juventus and Barcelona, with the Italian giants reported to be considering a 22 million pound offer. But Newcastle issued a ‘hands off’ warning to any club hoping to lure Shearer away.

“First and foremost Alan Shearer is not for sale,”   stressed Fletcher.

“Let me stress once and for all that he is not leaving this club.” We have not had a bid from Juventus but in any case if anyone is interested in him they are wasting their time.“Alan Shearer is a key part of this club’s future. His experience at club, European and International level is vital as we go through a period of re-structuring and we’d be mad to let him go.”   Newcastle’s disappointing season in which they only just avoided relegation and lost to Arsenal in the FA Cup final has fuelled speculation that Shearer may be ready to move abroad in search of success.

But Newcastle boss Kenny Dalglish is planning a summer rebuilding programme designed to make the Magpies a major force, with 15million striker Shearer the jewel in the crown.

“Alan Shearer came to Newcastle as part of a long-term strategy,”  said Fletcher. “We aim to make this club one of the biggest and best in Europe and to achieve that aim we need players of the calibre of Alan Shearer.”