ALAN Shearer last night revealed that he has turned down "several" lucrative offers in order to finish his playing career with Newcastle.

The Magpies skipper will hang up his boots at the end of next season, and is desperate to go out with a bang by helping Newcastle end their 35-year wait for a piece of major silverware.

Shearer was the Premiership's leading English striker last season, grabbing 28 goals as Newcastle finished fifth and made the last four of the UEFA Cup.

That form led to calls for him to be recalled to the national set-up ahead of Euro 2004, and also convinced a range of clubs to make a last-ditch attempt to secure his services.

Talk of a move to Italy was quickly dismissed earlier this year, but Shearer has also been approached by representatives from Qatar.

The former England captain is understood to have been offered a staggering £3m to end his career in the Middle East.

But he has confirmed that he is going nowhere as he prepares for his 18th season as a senior professional.

"There has been interest in me from several clubs," confirmed Shearer, who was part of the Newcastle squad that flew to Thailand yesterday ahead of their pre-season tour of the Far East.

"But my ideal is to stay here and play out my last season and win something. I am always happy to pull on the shirt here - everyone knows that."

Shearer could still have a new strike partner next season, with Newcastle continuing to chase Dutch international Patrick Kluivert.

The Barcelona striker is currently considering his options after preliminary talks with United officials last week.

The Magpies have confirmed that they are interested in taking the 28-year-old to Tyneside, but Kluivert's wage demands are causing problems.

Southampton striker James Beattie remains keen to move to the North-East, but United would need to shell out around £6m to secure his services.

They have already paid £3.6m for Leeds midfielder James Milner this summer - a fee that could eventually rise to £5m - and have offered £4m for Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.

Butt's employers are believed to be holding out for £5m but, if an anticipated agreement is reached, Sir Bobby Robson will have to sell to finance any move for Beattie.

Egyptian striker Mido would be a cheaper option, with French side Marseille willing to sanction a year-long loan deal for the striker.

Newcastle have been in contact with his representative Christophe Henrotay, but Southampton and Liverpool have also joined the hunt for the African.

"They (Newcastle) are still interested," said Henrotay. "But I know these clubs (Southampton and Liverpool) are also interested and maybe something will happen this week.

"He is probably going to go on loan to England - we know this."

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