Shearer does not want to leave Newcastle

Alan Shearer insisted last night that he was staying with Newcastle.

He expects to return to the first team next week and has patched up his differences with new coach Ruud Gullit. Shearer was expected to be put up for sale in time for the Italian transfer market to open again in January or join English champions Arsenal before that but he has spoken out to end speculation that his departure will be a quick one from the Newcastle club.

Weekend speculation also linked him with a return to Blackburn Rovers as player/coach but the England captain has denied this will happen.

The striker denied that he had asked for Duncan Ferguson to be his new partner in the Newcastle attack and insisted for the third time this season that he did not want to leave the club.

Gullit may still be tempted to cash in his prime asset in his attempt to rebuild the side knowing that Shearer would attract £15 million bids.