Lancashire-based businessman Geoff Sheard is preparing a takeover bid for Newcastle United, it has been revealed.

The People says Sheard is putting a team together to bid for Newcastle United - and is plotting a remarkable raid for David Beckham.

The Lancashire-based businessman failed in an attempt to buy Sheffield Wednesday last year, but claims to have financial backers who could fund a buy-out to tempt Toon owner Mike Ashley.

And wildly-ambitious Sheard is also making moves to hijack Beckham's move from LA Galaxy to AC Milan in case his Geordie dream comes true.

Sources close to Sheard say that he is 'days' from making an offer for Newcastle, although there are no clues about where the money is coming from.