Football: Fletcher warns Shearer pursuers

NEWCASTLE'S chief executive, Freddie Fletcher, insisted yesterday that the England captain, Alan Shearer, is not for sale at any price. Shearer has been linked with Juventus and Barcelona, with the Italian giants reported to be considering a pounds 22m offer.

But Newcastle yesterday issued a warning to any clubs hoping to lure Shearer away from Tyneside. "First and foremost Alan Shearer is not for sale," Fletcher said. "Let me stress once and for all that he is not leaving this club.''

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said he he is not interested in signing the Italian World Cup veteran Roberto Baggio and has slammed as "crazy" the big-money sums surrounding the striker.

Liverpool's attempt to sign the German striker Sean Dundee may have to be settled by Fifa, football's world governing body, after Borussia Monchengladbach claimed they have a written agreement with him.

Dundee has had a medical and agreed terms to join Roy Evans's side, but now Borussia say the Karlsruhe striker signed a binding pre-contract with them.

Brian McClair, given a free transfer by Manchester United, is being pursued by Motherwell, the club where he began his success story as a teenager.

Another former United player, Sammy McIlroy, is set to be named as the new manager of Burnley. McIlroy has guided Macclesfield Town to two successive promotions.

l Wilf Mannion, the former Middlesbrough and England player, is in hospital with suspected pneumonia. Mannion, 80, won 26 international caps.