Alan Shearer wants to move for Spurs defender Chris Gunter

Jun 5 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

ALAN Shearer will make a move for promising Tottenham Hotspur defender Chris Gunter if he is confirmed as Newcastle United’s permanent manager.

An announcement on Shearer’s future is expected later today although United fans could be forced to wait until after the weekend before knowing whether the former captain has been given the job.

His immediate fate lies in the hands of the banks who are in charge of re-structuring the club’s debt. They have been asked to sign off on a financial package which contains various conditions from Shearer before he agrees to sign a four-year contract, including transfer budgets, control of player retention and his wages.

However, despite the delay in his appointment, Shearer is continuing to plan for the future as if he is United boss and The Journal understands he has targeted Spurs youngster Gunter.

The 19-year-old, who can play as full-back on either flank, is already a Wales international but has struggled to break into the first team at White Hart Lane and spent the end of last season on loan in the Championship at Nottingham Forest. And Shearer has been alerted to the fact that, even if he is unable to persuade Spurs manager Harry Redknapp to sell the teenager, it is likely the former Cardiff City prospect will be sent out on loan again, with Newcastle his preferred destination.

It is believed there has already been some discussion regarding a possible deal, although everything has been put on hold until Shearer’s position is clear – much to the former number nine’s growing frustration.

Gunter, who will earn his 16th cap against Azerbaijan tomorrow, is also increasingly concerned about where he will be playing football next season.

He said: “I have been told that the manager (Harry Redknapp) does not want to sell me and another loan move would be good for me. If that is what happens it would be fine by me.

“I have had two managers already at Spurs with different ideas and coaching methods. But never in my career have I had a run of 20 or more games on the spin, or even played a 50-game season. So I need to go out on loan to learn my trade, how to play a consistent amount of games.

“It worked well for me at Nottingham Forest and if someone said I was going back there for a season I would be happy with that. I still have two years left (on my contract) at Spurs, the manager has not said I have a future or not because you have to prove that to him and I intend to do so.

"But I need to know definitely soon where I will be next season and then concentrate on giving my best to whoever I join and see where we go from there.”