ALAN SHEARER has signalled his intention to move into management after confirming he is working towards his UEFA B coaching badge.

The Newcastle United skipper, tipped by many to succeed Sir Bobby Robson as manager at St. James' Park, is taking coaching sessions at the club's multi-million pound academy on a six-month course he hopes will offer him the option of staying in football when he calls time on his playing days at the end of next season.

Shearer, who set up one last hurrah when he signed a one-year extension to his contract this season, insists he has an open mind about his future.

The 33-year-old striker is already a regular on Sky Sports and could make a seamless transition to TV punditry on a permanent basis.

But the tantalising prospect of taking over from Robson is undoubtedly tempting as Shearer reaches a crossroads in his career.

The former England captain admitted: "I've started taking my coaching badges because I think I'll need them in the future.

"If I don't need them, then it's not a waste. I'm taking the UEFA B badge and it's the right time to start. I'll hopefully have it by the end of the season.

"I started six or seven weeks ago and it runs until March or April. There are five or six of us at the club who are doing it and part of it entails taking as many coaching sessions as you can.

"It's just to keep my options open; I think you're better having the qualification than not having it."

Robson, who will be 71 in February, is thought likely to remain in charge for one more season before going into retirement.

Perhaps conveniently, that would coincide with Shearer hanging up his boots.

But Robson is keeping his own counsel on which direction he feels Shearer should take.

The United boss said: "Alan has an option in the media and he'll have to decide what he wants to do. It's up to him what he feels his next role is, whether it's media work or the coaching side of football.

"He's on the coaching course which we're conducting at the club, and I'm delighted he has taken that line and is keeping his options open.

"Several players are on the course. I think that's fine for all players because it means they see the other side of the game from playing.

"The more players you have in your squad who are thinking about the game more deeply, the better the team you are going to have.''

l Reading boss Steve Coppell has denied that he is lining up a swoop for out-of-favour Newcastle striker Lomana LuaLua.

The Democratic Republic of Congo star, rapped by Robson for complaining on his own website about a lack of first-team opportunities, will be on African Nations Cup duty in the new year.

Coppell, who recently succeeded Alan Pardew at the Madejski Stadium, said: "Somebody mentioned LuaLua, but I have never even made a phone call about him. I seem to be denying connections with players we don't have any interest in.''

l Newcastle midfielder Brian Kerr is back on Tyneside after breaking a leg while on loan at Livingston.

l Hibs are understood to be interested in Newcastle centre-back Gary Caldwell, who was on loan at Easter Road two seasons ago