In a Sun exclusive, the paper claims David O’Leary is to be unveiled as manager of Newcastle United - if Toon chairman Freddy Shepherd agrees compensation with Aston Villa.

Chairman Shepherd has reportedly identified O’Leary as his top target and held discussions with Villa counterpart Doug Ellis over the weekend.

The stumbling block is believed to be that Ellis wants £2m compensation. If the two clubs can reach an agreement, O’Leary will be on his way to St James’ Park as successor to Sir Bobby Robson.

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As speculation continues to link Steve Bruce with the Newcastle vacancy, the Birmingham boss has pledged to stay at St Andrews.

Geordie Bruce, who was believed to be high on Newcastle’s wanted list, said: "Let's make this absolutely clear - I have no intention of walking away.

"I owe that much to the supporters, the board of this club and to the players I have brought in.

"I wouldn't resign. I have no reason to do anything like that to the people I work for." (Daily Star)

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Kasey Keller is disillusioned after losing his place in the Tottenham side and would like to see out his career back home in the United States.

The 34-year-old keeper has yet to play this season after being replaced by Paul Robinson.

He said: "The hardest part is that I played every minute of every Tottenham game for two years and, in my opinion, I wasn’t given a chance to carry on.

"I can feel my time coming to an end here. I’ve always stated that I’d love to go home and play for a couple of seasons." (Daily Express)

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger last night defended Patrick Vieira after he was jeered by France fans in the goal-less draw with Israel.

It was the Gunners skipper’s first match as captain of his country, but his leadership failed to inspire and the Stade de France crowd turned hostile in the second-half.

Wenger, who was commentating for French TV, said: "Patrick has been out for two months and I think he did some very positive things for a guy playing his first game in so long." (Daily Mirror)