NEWCASTLE United chairman Freddy Shepherd has reaffirmed his desire to make Alan Shearer Newcastle United's next manager.

The skipper's recent decision to prolong his contract for another season and combine playing with coaching was another indication he was being groomed as Graeme Souness' eventual successor.

The Magpies' manager has himself insisted he would want Shearer to replace him, despite Souness already being under pressure following Newcastle's desperate end to the campaign that saw their hopes of European qualification dashed.

"Graeme Souness has already said that he wants Alan Shearer to take over as manager when he leaves," said Shepherd.

"It's what the most of our supporters want - and as I am also a supporter it's what I want."

Shepherd was at pains to point out that everyone at the club, including himself, should take responsibility for their poor campaign.

"Nobody at St James' Park did a good enough job this season - and that includes me," he said. "All we can do is to promise the supporters that we will work even harder to bring them the success they want and deserve."

But there was no indication from the chairman that the manager's position was in jeopardy, despite an alarming slump in form.

Shepherd insisted that the club will again back Souness in the transfer market.

"No-one can ever accuse the board of not backing our manager in the transfer market and Graeme Souness will get our full backing," he said.

"In fact, I had a three-hour meeting with the manager yesterday and there are no prizes for guessing what we are talking about."

Meanwhile, Patrick Kluivert is expected to make his final appearance in a black and white shirt on Sunday before jetting off to pastures new.

With Shola Ameobi suspended for this weekend's clash against Premiership champions Chelsea after his sending off at Everton, Kluivert is a likely starter.

The former Barcelaona and AC Milan striker confirmed he will be returning to Spain at the end of the season after failing to convince Graeme Souness he was worthy of a two-year deal.

Despite a return of 13 goals in 24 starts this season, the Holland international has failed to recapture the form which once made him among the most sought-after strikers in the world. His stay has not been helped by niggling injuries and the usual turbulent rumblings off the pitch, including the dismissal of manager Sir Bobby Robson.

After just one season the United hierarchy have decided the 28-year-old has had enough time to settle in to his Tyneside surroundings and his return does not justify his £67,000 a week salary.

One striker who will not be replacing Kluivert at St James' Park is Strasbourg's Salim Arrache.

United have monitored the player in the past, but a return of just one goal in the past two seasons has put paid to their interest.

"Stuttgart, Lens and Toulouse are following me but I have no more news from Newcastle," admitted the 22-year-old.

One striker the Magpies are believed to be chasing is Lyon striker Sidney Govou.

The France international was a target for Newcastle at the beginnning of last season and is expected to quit the French champions this summer.

A number of Italian and Spanish clubs are chasing the striker but the real competition may come from other Premiership clubs, with the striker keen on a move to England. His agent claims to have had contact with many teams in England.

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