ALAN SHEARER last night insisted he wants to finish his career at Newcastle United - providing he is guaranteed a first team role in Sir Bobby Robson's side.
The Magpies skipper's reassuring words to the St James' Park faithful follows the suggestion abroad that he is about to move to Italian side Genoa.
Two separate reports in Italy have claimed that Shearer is on the verge of signing a three-year deal with the Serie B club; even though the talismanic striker has signalled his intention to retire next summer.
One newspaper actually bizarrely quoted Shearer as saying: "There are talks, I cannot deny that.
"Genova is a place that attracts me and I don't consider them to be a Serie B side.
"I'd like the opportunity which I think is very important. I admire the Genova people, their mentality, which is similar to mine."
And an article in respected Italian broadsheet Repubblica claimed the signing is 'not official yet, but the transfer is nearly certain'.
Genoa are keen to bring in a new partner for 11 goal top-scorer Sasa Bjelanovic and Newcastle's England legend fits the bill.
It is claimed the 33-year-old Newcastle striker has been offered a lucrative contract by ambitious president Enrico Preziosi.
However, Shearer was quick to respond to the reports regarding his future by labelling them 'completely untrue'.
Newcastle manager Robson is actively seeking a new forward as he plans for the day when his captain does hang up his boots.
Sidney Govou, Patrick Kluivert, Eidur Gudjohnsen, James Beattie, Alan Smith and Mido have all caught the eye as Robson tries to find a long-term successor.
But Shearer poured scorn on the stories claiming he was to leave Tyneside a year early by insisting he is going nowhere - unless he suddenly falls down the pecking order.
"I have been made aware today of Italian press reports which say I have been in talks with Genoa. This is completely untrue," Shearer said last night.
"I have just one year left as a footballer and the only target on my mind is to help Newcastle finally win some silverware as a thank you to the best supporters in the world.
"The only way I would consider anything other than this is if Sir Bobby Robson told me that I was not to be a first-team regular next season."
Shearer was a record signing in 1996 when Newcastle, managed by Kevin Keegan, paid Blackburn £15m for his services.
But the former Southampton man has yet to claim a winner's medal with the Magpies, despite scoring 173 goals in 321 games since leaving Ewood Park.
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