NEWCASTLE United football bosses were last night still trying to win a deal to star in a new film.

Club chief Douglas Hall met film producer Mike Jefferies at the weekend for further talks about the movie, to be called Goal!

The Magpies are battling it out with Manchester United for a starring role in the film, which would generate thousands of pounds in merchandising and commercial opportunities worldwide.

Negotiations have been complicated after Chelsea entered into contention.

Mr Jeffries, who watched Newcastle play Manchester United at home on Saturday, said: "I am very delighted to be here, especially as it is such an epic game in the pantheon of North-East football. I think the stadium would be fantastic in the movie.

"We are pretty confident that the team involved with Goal! will be announced in the next ten days.

"We are going over to Monte Carlo on Thursday for the Champions League draw and we will meet representatives from sports manufacturers, various clubs and Fifa."

The first film, part of a trilogy, features a young Latino player new to the Premiership. The second will follow his move to the Continent, and the third will see him at the 2006 World Cup.

If Newcastle wins the contest, it would be the second recent film to feature the club. British film Purely Belter centred on two boys trying to raise enough money for a Newcastle season ticket.

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