Shearer contract talks soon

Last updated : 27 July 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Despite the Sunday People’s attempts to create a story out of nothing by claiming that Shearer’s representatives were growing concerned about the situation, a deal should happen in the near future.

Freddy Shepherd apparently told the tabloid: "Alan Shearer is going nowhere. We would be mad to allow a player who has scored 25 goals last season to walk away for nothing.

"Alan Shearer has black-and-white blood running through his veins. If he wants to sit down and talk about a new contract, then we do too. And we won't wait.

"We are ready to do it now. I can assure all Newcastle supporters that he is going nowhere."

No problems from the Shearer camp either, with the player adding: "I feel fit. I scored 25 goals last year and I don't see any reason why I cannot keep going like that.

"I feel strong. I've got one more year left on my contract and I don't honestly see any reason why I can't do another one.

"I think I could score as many goals as I did last year. So if the club came to me now and said they wanted to talk, then we would talk."