Spanish club to offer Shearer two-year deal

Alan Shearer, the Newcastle captain, is a target for the Spanish Primera Liga side Levante.

Alan Shearer, the Newcastle captain, is a target for the Spanish Primera Liga side Levante.

The club's president, Pedro Villaroel, is interested in the former England striker who is planning to retire from playing at the end of the coming Premiership season. Villaroel confirmed that the newly-promoted club hope to attract Shearer to the Valencia-based club with a two-year contract. "He has an offer for two seasons with us and his arrival is by no means impossible," Villaroel said.

The recent arrival of Patrick Kluivert at St James' Park from Barcelona, coupled with the knowledge that manager Sir Bobby Robson is beginning his last season at the club, has led to increased speculation about Shearer's future at Newcastle.

Levante have already signed the Republic of Ireland full-back Ian Harte from Leeds and claim they have also reached an agreement with Manchester United to take striker Diego Forlan on loan for a year, although United deny this.

The 71-year-old Robson was upset to learn at the weekend of Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd's decision to dispense with his services after the forthcoming Premiership campaign, but is remaining bullish.

"Whatever happens, I will give it everything I've got to make Newcastle United successful," he said. "Obviously I'm disappointed at the club's decision, but even so, I will work as diligently as I always have.

"For what it's worth, I don't agree with the club's decision not to renew my contract, but football is all about opinion and I know you have to respect other people's opinion.

"But I will not falter in the next few months and everything I will do will be in the best interests of the chairman and Newcastle United Football Club," Robson said.