THE chances of Craig Bellamy pulling on a Newcastle United shirt next season increased when chairman Freddy Shepherd paved the way for a reconciliatory return.

But Shepherd put the onus firmly on Graeme Souness by insisting it will be the manager who decides if the Welshman plays for the Magpies again.

Newcastle are having to work on the assumption that Bellamy will be still a United player when the club return to pre-season training on July 4 after failing to sell.

Aston Villa remain the only English club to have officially launched a bid - believed to be £6m - for the striker this summer but, a transfer fizzled out without discussing personal terms.

Celtic, where he spent a successful four-month loan spell last season, are now under the management of Gordon Strachan and the Glasgow club have not come back in for Bellamy.

Despite enjoying his time north of the border the 25-year-old is only thought to be lukewarm on the idea of moving to Celtic Park permanently.

Bellamy would prefer to stay in the Premiership and play for a club in European competition but his options are limited.

"It's up to Graeme but there's a long way to go before the start of the season," said Shepherd. "Everybody will tell you I'm a forgiving chap, whether or not he plays for Newcastle again is up to the manager.

"Only Celtic know whether they have the money or not. At this moment the option ran out and we have not heard anymore. He is due back on July 4 and we will see what happens."

Souness and Bellamy had a very public row in December when the forward appeared in front of the Sky TV cameras and accused his boss of being a liar.

It led to the Newcastle manager insisting that the former Coventry frontman would never play for him again and he was farmed out on loan to Celtic after a switch to Birmingham broke down.

Midfielder Lee Bowyer could join Bellamy at training. Bowyer is wanted by Birmingham but he is refusing to negotiate after a minority of Blues' fans petitioned against his acquisition.

Birmingham owner David Sullivan remains hopeful the 28-year-old will change his mind, but Shepherd claims to be in no rush to sell.

The Newcastle chief insists no fee has been agreed between the two clubs, although he did give permission for the St Andrews' board to talk with the player.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth have confirmed Laurent Robert has only signed a one-year loan deal at Fratton Park.

It had been announced the Frenchman had moved for an undisclosed fee and signed a three-year deal.

However, Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric revealed Robert has only left Newcastle on loan with a view to a permanent two-year switch next summer.

It is this reason why Newcastle have insisted the 30-year-old does not play against them next season.

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