NEWCASTLE have sounded out Lyon striker Sidney Govou as they continue their search for a successor to Alan Shearer.

The Magpies skipper will retire from football at the end of next season and Sir Bobby Robson is keen to have his long-term replacement in place this summer.

The United manager is still assessing his options, with Govou's name understood to be on a shortlist of strikers currently under consideration.

The 24-year-old is one of the hottest properties in French football after his goals helped Lyon win Le Championnat for the second time in three years last season.

Govou will be on the bench when France face England in their Euro 2004 opener later this month and, while his current contract does not expire until 2008, Lyon are ready to cash in on their prize asset.

Newcastle will face competition from right across Europe if they choose to follow up their initial interest, with Italian giants Inter Milan also eyeing the pacy frontman.

United's approach is still at a formative stage but, while Govou has been lukewarm about moving to England in the past, he is resigned to leaving Lyon after this summer's tournament in Portugal.

Marseille striker Mido would be a far cheaper alternative for the Magpies, and Robson is aware of the Egyptian's desire for talks over his future.

But the 21-year-old spent most of last season on the treatment table and Newcastle are desperate to avoid pairing Craig Bellamy with another striker plagued by injury problems.

Meanwhile, Newcastle's interest in full-back Danny Mills has cooled considerably.

The England international's wage demands are proving a major stumbling block, with Mills refusing to accept a cut in the £40,000 a week he is being paid at Leeds.

Newcastle are refusing to be held to ransom, but monetary issues are not the only factors preventing any deal.

Mills' recent form has not been good enough to earn him a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England squad and it is believed the value he would add to Newcastle's ranks has been called into question.

* Norwich have made Scotland goalkeeper Paul Gallacher their first signing since winning promotion to the Premiership.

The 24-year-old was out of contract at Dundee United and has penned a two-year deal, with a further 12-month option with the Norfolk club.

The Scottish goalkeeper already knows Norwich pair Gary Holt and Malky Mackay from their involvement with the national team.

Gallacher won his eighth international cap in last week's 1-0 win over Estonia, but has been brought in essentially as cover for highly-rated Robert Green, who was called up to the England squad for the friendly against Sweden in March.

''Paul's going to be very good competition for Robert,'' said Norwich manager Nigel Worthington, who is now likely to turn his attentions to strengthening his outfield squad.

He has already been frustrated in a bid to bring Riccardo Scimeca to Carrow Road, with the utility player instead opting to move to West Brom from Leicester.

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