ALAN SHEARER has his goalscoring sights firmly set on the Riverside next month as Newcastle step up their preparations for the new season.

The Tyneside talisman is unconcerned that he has failed to find the target so far in pre-season, with the Tees-Tyne clash against Middlesbrough on August 14 his number one target.

While the Magpies off-the-field priorities centre on securing the services of £2.5m man Nicky Butt - the Manchester United midfielder is expected to complete a medical and sign today - on the field Shearer will lead the side against Ipswich at Portman Road tonight.

The skipper will be looking to end his mini goal drought, which stretches back to the game against Chelsea last April, but it is not unduly troubling the man who has hit the target 173 times in his eight years on Tyneside.

"It won't bother me if I don't find the net (in the pre-season)," said Shearer. "The main target now is Middlesbrough away on the first Saturday of the season.

"I've had pre-seasons in the past where I've scored loads of goals and then had a dry patch at the start of the season; I've also had summers where I haven't hit the net at all and then got the season off to flier.

"It would be great to get a run of wins in the pre-season as it is a good habit and breeds confidence. But it doesn't really matter at this stage. People can judge us once the season starts."

With new signing Patrick Kluivert and Craig Bellamy not involved, Shearer is expected to be partnered by Shola Ameobi in attack this evening.

Newcastle have a tough schedule over the next eight days following tonight's game.

They have the Newcastle-Gateshead Cup at St James' Park this weekend, with games against Rangers and either Feyenoord or Sporting Lisbon, and they then face Celtic next week at Parkhead.

Shearer said: "The real games start now in terms of getting the match fitness right.

"The opposition is tougher in the next few games and we're expecting some tough tests. These games give us a chance to get a good 80 or 90 minutes under our belts, and while you can run as much as you want in training there's no comparison to playing a game."

Meanwhile, Newcastle are continuing to test Benfica's resolve to keep hold of right-back Miguel by lodging an improved £5m offer.

The Magpies attempted to land Miguel before Euro 2004 when they offered £4m plus Hugo Viana.

Benfica shunned Newcastle's approach then and unfortunately for Newcastle, the full- back shone during the European Championship after he replaced Chelsea's Paulo Ferreira meaning his value has soared.

But Newcastle may have to look elsewhere, with Benfica wanting nearer £10m for one of their most prized assets.

* Kluivert is expected to make his Magpies bow in the Newcastle-Gateshead Cup against Rangers on Saturday, but defender Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to be risked as he continues his recovery from the thigh muscle he tore against Chelsea at the end of last season