NEWCASTLE United are set to open talks with Kieron Dyer aimed at tying the England starlet to Tyneside for the next five years.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd yesterday underlined the Magpies' determination to ward off interest in £20m-rated Dyer from the likes of Manchester United, Leeds and AC Milan.

Shepherd declared: "We want to put this to bed for one last time: Kieron Dyer is not for sale at any price.

"We would be mad to let him go. He's very much part of the long-term future of this club and he has said himself that he doesn't want to leave.

"He has three years left on his current contract and we're looking to further negotiate that deal.''

Dyer, who joined Newcastle from Ipswich for £6m in the summer of 1999, is ruled out for the rest of the season with shin problems and will undergo a second operation next week.

But the 22-year-old midfielder is already established as one of the hottest properties in Europe and a host of big-name clubs are poised to pounce given any encouragement.

Shepherd, however, maintained: "It's ludicrous to keep talking about that.''

Manager Bobby Robson has been forced to carpet Dyer in the past over his headline-grabbing off-field antics.

But Robson's main gripe at the moment is with winger Nolberto Solano.

The Peruvian was yesterday due to return from Miami where he picked up a mystery injury - even though he failed to appear in his country's friendly with Honduras.

Robson, dead-set against Solano reviving his international career only five months after falling out with his national coach, was baffled by the injury news.

"It's a complete and utter surprise to me that he's injured,'' admitted Robson.

"He wasn't taken off at Everton last weekend with an injury and how this injury occurred, I don't know.

"I have no idea what the injury is - he could have done it on the plane!

"He didn't leave with an injury, otherwise he would certainly not have gone. I don't know why he didn't play for Peru on Wednesday, but he's back today and I'll have to find out.''

Solano, whose contract is up at the end of next season, has had preliminary talks with Newcastle about a new £28,000-a-week deal.

But while he has been away this week, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to either Italy or Spain.

Serie A side Parma are reported to be leading the chase, but Robson insisted: "I don't know anything about clubs who are supposed to be interested in him.

"At the last time of reckoning, when we discussed his future, we were talking about an extension of his contract. There was never any talk of him leaving.

"This has risen its ugly head in the last two weeks. His agent came across last month and we discussed the possibility of him extending his contract. Nobby has never suggested that he wants to go.''

l Alan Shearer was given the freedom of Newcastle yesterday and declared: "It's still my burning ambition to win silverware for my home-town club.''

The Magpies' skipper, who returned home nearly five years ago in a then-world record £15m move from Blackburn, became a Freeman of the city in a ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre.

"It's a unique honour,'' said the former England captain. "My heart is bursting with pride.''

Bobby Robson said: "It's a proud day for Alan and a great day for the club.

"It's very well merited. Sometimes you get something when it's too late, so it's nice to get recognition at a time when you can appreciate it.''

Shearer, who missed nine weeks of the season after knee surgery, retired from international football after Euro 2000 to concentrate on the remainder of his career with Newcastle.

Many are tipping the 30-year-old striker as a long-term successor to Robson.

But the United manager, who plans to be in charge until he is 70 in two years' time, stressed: "Alan has got three years still to go and he should concentrate on that and the rest will follow.

"He's been very good value for money, but he wants to give a bit more to the club.

"He's a great example to everybody and the honour he's received doesn't go to nondescript people.'