Blackburn Rovers chief executive John Williams has closed the book on applicants wanting to succeed Graeme Souness as manager and will whittle down the list of 30 to six names by the weekend, report the Daily Express.

The club have been inundated since Souness announced he was leaving for the manager’s chair at Newcastle vacated by Sir Bobby Robson.

Mark Hughes and Paul Jewell have both distanced themselves from the job. The likes of Gerard Houllier, Gordon Strachan and Dick Advocaat are tipped as contenders.

***************

Gary Megson is reportedly wanted by Manchester City to eventually replace Kevin Keegan.

The Daily Star claims Megson is the man City will turn to if a run of poor results force them to axe Keegan.

Megson is reported to again be at odds with the West Brom board and so might be ripe for plucking.

***************

Everton are ready to offer French World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff a short-term contract, according to the Daily Mirror.

Manager David Moyes has been offered the former Bolton striker as a solution to boost his depleted squad.

Djorkaeff, who wants a two-year deal, said: "I am naturally fit and I have been training hard in the south of France to keep fit.

"I feel I have two good years left in me."

***************

Shola Ameobi reckons Graeme Souness is the man to knock Newcastle United’s stars into shape.

The England Under-21 striker is confident Souness’ no-nonsense approach will sort out the off-the-field problems at St James’ Park.

"Souness is known for being a strict disciplinarian and that’s a positive," said Ameobi.

"It is time for us as a group to get our house in order both on and off the field." (The Sun)

***************

Xabi Alonso has hailed new Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard as "the complete player."

The Spanish midfielder - a £10.7million buy from Real Sociedad - said: "Gerrard has impressed me very much, he is the complete player.

"He has a lot of strength and physical conditioning, and he is also an exquisite striker of the ball." (The Sun)