Bellamy set to spurn Celtic for Everton

Bellamy is due to return to pre-season training with Newcastle this morning, even though he will be made to train with the youth team and will not be considered for selection in the Intertoto Cup campaign.

The Newcastle manager, Graeme Souness, has refused to entertain the idea of a reconciliation with the 25-year-old, who was sent on loan to Celtic last season after a bitter row with the Scot over his best position. But it looks as though Bellamy's return to Tyneside will be a fleeting one, as long as Everton can match his £45,000-a-week wages.

Everton are willing to meet Newcastle's £6m asking price for Bellamy. The Magpies will look to invest the money quickly, with a deal to sign the Turkish international Belozoglu Emre from Inter still to be completed. Newcastle are also seeking a centre-back and two strikers to replace Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert.