NEWCASTLE United defender Robbie Elliott has revealed he is considering severing his long association with his hometown club to play football in the Middle East.

The 32-year-old has been offered a new one-year deal to stay at St James' Park next season, but has yet to sign it as he is seriously considering several offers to play in the United Arab Emirates.

The news may come as a surprise, but Elliott made known that he is no stranger to the UAE.

The Magpies defender says he and his family have fallen in love with the place after making several visits on holiday.

"It's something I want to try at this stage of my life and career. I have been lucky to have played at the highest level for many years in England, but I want to look at the option of trying something new in a different country," confirmed the Magpies favourite who has enjoyed an 11 year association with the club in two different spells.

"I have been offered another year by Newcastle which I am considering, but I also want to look at my options and the idea of playing in the UAE really appeals.

"I know the standards might not be as high as the Premiership, but football is taking off out here.''

Elliott has always maintained he has never had any ambitions to manage or coach when his playing days are over, and says it would be more likely that he would become a physio seeing as he holds a sports science degree.

But now, there seems to have been a change of heart judging by his recent comments.

"The clubs are bringing professionalism into the league and trying to improve things all round," he commented.

" I feel I can pass on my experience to help them in their cause for now and the future.

"That's very important to me. I hear about other players coming out to the Middle East at the end of their careers for the money, but that's not me.

"I'd love the challenge of playing out here and my family love being here, everything about it from the kindness of the people to the lifestyle.

"The interest started when a player from Al Ahli came to Newcastle on trial and has just grown since then.

"Playing in Europe does not interest me, but playing out in Dubai or Abu Dhabi does. It's something I've been considering after coming out here before, but now I am trying to take that step forward to doing it.

"I will regret it if I don't have a try and hope something happens."

Newcastle reserve goalkeeper Steve Harper is another United star who may not be at St James' park next term.

The 31-year-old shot stopper has revealed he can't take another season of sitting on the sidelines.

He said: "What I do know is that I don't want another season like last season, which was one of my worst ever as I only managed to play one first-team game and that was in Slovakia in the middle of July."

* Newcastle have agreed to play in a testimonial for Norwich City's long-serving central defender Craig Fleming at Carrow Road on Tuesday, July 26.

* Sports psychologist Bill Beswick is to leave Middlesbrough as new manager Gareth Southgate finalises his coaching team.

Boro confirmed that Beswick, who was initially recruited by Steve McClaren as his assistant, is to move on.

However, there will be places in the new set-up for Steve Round, Steve Harrison, Paul Barron and Malcolm Crosby, while experienced defender Colin Cooper could also have a role to play.

Southgate, currently working as an ITV pundit at the World Cup finals in Germany, said: ''Bill has several other projects he is working on, so he will be moving on.

''I'm very grateful for the help he gave the club and to me personally, as a player. I and all at the club wish him well with all his future work.

''The rest of the coaching staff will be staying with us in some capacity. Their exact roles will be confirmed in the near future, but I've seen first-hand what a good job they do."

McClaren sprang a surprise when he employed former England basketball coach Beswick as his number two, retaining his services as a consultant sports psychologist after reshuffling his staff.

Beswick, who had previously worked with the England coach-elect at both Derby and Manchester United, was credited with helping him develop his approach to management.