NEWCASTLE'S Nolberto Solano believes Alan Shearer should be spearheading England's attack at the World Cup.

The Peru winger yesterday admitted his surprise that his skipper turned his back on the international game after Euro 2000.

Shearer, who will be 32 in August, put club before country as he battled a career-threatening knee condition.

The former England captain underwent surgery for tendinitis a year ago and has made a remarkable recovery, hitting 26 goals this season and 22 in the Premiership.

But Solano maintains he could never do as Shearer has done and spurn the chance to play in the greatest competition of all.

Solano said: "Alan's decision not to go is personal. To play in the World Cup makes everybody very proud. I don't know if Alan made his decision before England qualified for the finals. You have to respect his decision.

"But if it was me, I would want to play. I could never say I wouldn't want to play in the World Cup.

"He's certainly good enough to be still playing for England. He scores goals, you see him get 20 goals every season. England need a player like that, especially in the World Cup which is played over such a very short time.

"England are still strong. I don't know whether they will miss Alan.

"But you need experienced players. From England's point of view it is a pity that he's not playing.

"It's hard for him, everybody pushing him, but he has put the club first and he wants to be with his family. But if Peru got to the World Cup finals I would want to be there. It's difficult because you have to think of the clubs."

Kevin Keegan's Manchester City have emerged as favourites to sign Newcastle loanee Sylvain Distin, according to an intermediary.

The Paris St. Germain defender's wage demands, reputedly £25,000-a-week, have proved the stumbling block to a permanent move to Tyneside.

Newcastle have agreed a near-£4m fee with PSG, whose financial director, Pierre Frelot, claims three rival Premiership sides are also prepared to meet the asking price. As well as City, Liverpool and Blackburn are said to be in the frame.

Monte Carlo-based agent Willie McKay claimed: "Manchester City are one of the clubs interested and they are favourites to sign Sylvain.

"He would have been more than happy to stay at Newcastle, but he wants to play as a centre-back rather than a full-back.

"He is happy to stay in England with a top club like Manchester City. He was impressed with them in their FA Cup match at Newcastle. They play good football under Kevin Keegan and have passionate fans.'