KEVIN KEEGAN will be told £8m is required to firm up Newcastle United's interest in Rangers defender Carlos Cuellar.

Keegan has watched the centre- back on at least two occasions in the last few months, including the Gers' UEFA Cup success over Werder Bremen at Ibrox in March.

Cuellar was the bedrock of Rangers' run to the UEFA Cup Final, and Keegan is determined to land a top centre-back this summer.

Richard Dunne remains his priority but with club owner Mike Ashley keen to recruit younger players, Keegan is having to consider his options.

And Cuellar, 26, is someone under consideration. Rangers manager Walter Smith, however, is in no mood to allow the Spaniard to leave on the cheap.

"We don't want any enquiries for him," Smith said. "He has played exceptionally well for us this season. If we do we will try as hard as we possibly can to keep him."

Cuellar was a £2.6m purchase from La Liga outfit Osasuna last summer, but he is understood to be keen on testing himself in the English Premier League.

After allowing Peter Ramage and Stephen Carr to leave this summer, rebuilding the defence is a priority for Keegan before pre-season starts in early July.

Dunne and Cuellar are two defenders Keegan prefers, although there is also interest in Liverpool's Norwegian full-back John Arne Riise and Reading's Nicky Shorey.

■ Newcastle's season ticket renewal packs will be sent to supporters next week and it will include details of a few changes.

There will be a a dedicated singing section, Leazes Corner, priced £390 for adults. There will also be a much larger Family Enclosure where season tickets will cost £300 adults, £100 children.

Newcastle have also confirmed a guaranteed price freeze for any fans who sign up for the next three seasons.

Other fans can pay for their 2008/09 season ticket now and pay for the next two in interestfree instalments over two tenmonth periods. The deadline for 2008/09 season ticket renewals will be June 17.