SPECULATION has been mounting over plans to hold a testimonial match for Alan Shearer, which could make as much as £2m for charity.

Newcastle United football club chiefs were remaining tight-lipped yesterday following revelations in a national newspaper.

A club spokesman said: "No formal talks have yet been held. This report comes as a complete surprise to us. That is not to say it will not happen."

Shearer's friends in the TV, sport and entertainment world, including rock star Mark Knopfler, are reported as being likely to be involved.

Sources at United have indicated that the all-star event is almost certain to be offered to television, attracting some of the biggest names in football to Tyneside.

If Shearer sticks by his retirement plans, the testimonial game could be held at the end of this season. The NSPCC has been one of Shearer's favourite causes and could benefit from the match.

Some of the money could also go to the tsunami appeal to help orphaned children.

Shearer, 34, said he intends to make this his final season at St James' Park after he decided the game was becoming too much physically, but manager Graeme Souness is trying to persuade him to continue a year.

Shearer would join a growing list of sporting greats who have made significant contributions to charity.

Sunderland striker Niall Quinn gave all the £1m proceeds of his testimonial year to charity, while cricketer Ian Botham has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds on long-distance walks.

Shearer is the Premiership's top scorer, with 249 goals.

He has scored 184 for Newcastle and 30 in 63 appearances for England.