Newcastle United face losing Alan Shearer at the end of the season - to Southampton.

The Sunday Express says a consortium with substantial financial backing on the verge of taking over stricken Southampton want Shearer as manager.

Saints will start next season in League One after the Football League deducted 10 points following the club's parent company going into administration.

Now a consortium involving wealthy local businessmen is putting together a package to resurrect the south coast club, which has slipped into football's third tier for the first time since 1960.

And the man they want to restore pride on the pitch is current Newcastle United boss Shearer, who started his playing career with Saints.

They are promising the former England striker a substantial transfer kitty and the promise of no boardroom interference.