NEWCASTLE United believe they are firm favourites to land Australia midfielder Brett Emerton.

Liverpool's £5m move for Senegal World Cup schemer Salif Diao suggests the Anfield club have cooled their interest in Emerton, who Feyenoord value at £12m.

Leeds are also chasing 23-year-old Emerton, but manager David O'Leary's hands are currently tied in the transfer market as uncertainty rages over the future of midfielder Lee Bowyer.

Newcastle have already opened preliminary talks with Feyenoord and hope to persuade the Dutch giants to lower their asking price for Emerton to around £8m. Meanwhile, Newcastle have reminded fans that tomorrow is the deadline for the renewal of season tickets.

United averaged more than 51,000 for Premiership home games last season and the St. James' Park box office has been inundated with renewal requests.

Chief operating officer Russell Cushing said: "We are delighted that our incredibly loyal and passionate supporters are backing the club to the hilt once again.

"Last season we made great strides both on and off the field and everyone is looking forward to the big kick-off in August, full of hope and fresh ambition."

* Season ticket prices at Darlington are amongst the cheapest in the Third Division despite an increase in admission for next term, writes Craig Stoddart.

The results of a survey conducted by supporters group, DAFTS, showed that Quakers are still able to offer football at relatively low prices with only Leyton Orient, York City, Exeter City, Boston United and Swansea City being less expensive.

At £175, a South Terrace season ticket is the club's cheapest with the most expensive being £550 which includes a seat in the Ambassador Suite and a meal each matchday. These prices are the discounted rate at which season tickets are available until June 15 after which they will be at least £10 a ticket more expensive.

Darlington season ticket holders who would like to retain the same seat they had last season must purchase next year's season ticket either on, or before tomorrow.

After this date all unsold seats will be made available to the general public.

Fans are reminded the club's 'two for one' season ticket offer stands, however, season ticket buyers will only receive their second free ticket once the stadium opens, which is expected to happen midway through the season.

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