EVERTON have hung a £10m price tag on Francis Jeffers - and that could rule Newcastle out of an auction for the England Under-21 striker.

Arsenal have emerged as firm favourites to land Jeffers, who is also being tracked by Sunderland and Tottenham.

And champions Manchester United, having lost Teddy Sheringham to Spurs, could enter the bidding for Jeffers if Dwight Yorke leaves to create a further striking void at Old Trafford.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has registered his interest in 20-year-old Jeffers.

The Merseysider has a year left on his contract at Goodison Park, but has been made available after rejecting a new five-year deal worth almost £33,000-a-week.

However, with a limited spending budget and at least four summer signings in his sights, Robson literally can't afford to break the bank for Jeffers.

The Magpies' boss flew off to the United States on holiday yesterday leaving behind a transfer hit-list to be pursued by chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Controversial Aston Villa defender Alpay Ozalan claims he is among Newcastle's targets - but wants to join Arsenal.

The Turkish international says he has turned down the chance to return to his native land with former club Besiktas and Fenerbahce, and favours a long-term stay in the Premiership.

"Besiktas and Fenerbahce have asked me if I would like to join them, but I declined the offers without thinking,'' said Alpay.

"I would like to stay in England for the next five years. Arsenal and Newcastle have also made enquiries about me.

"I'm under contract at the moment but, if the coach would allow it, I'd love to play for Arsenal."

The 28-year-old, who has upset manager John Gregrory and teammates with outspoken comments in his first season in English football, could now be on collision course with the Villa boss.

l Newcastle midfielder Gary Speed is still anxiously awaiting an FA verdict on his appeal against the first sending-off of his career on the final day of the season against Villa.

Speed and Villa's Ian Taylor were dismissed by referee Barry Knight after a late tussle and face the threat of three-match bans for violent conduct, which would take effect at the start of next term.

Taylor has also appealed and an FA spokesman said yesterday: "We've studied video evidence, but we're still waiting for one of the reports to come through.''

l Newcastle and Middlesbrough are competing in a prestigious Under-15 tournament in Sardinia, which starts today.

Among the 12 teams taking part in the three-day competition are Inter Milan, Brescia and hosts Cagliari.