Liverpool have signed highly-rated teenage striker David Ngog from Paris St Germain.

Lyon club captain Cris has declared himself ready to face Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday after making a successful return from long-term injury at the weekend.

THE Champions League kicks off again this week with each team aware that this round of 16 provides more shocks than the rest of the tournament combined.

AS a man who treats each team he sends out as an extension of his not inconsiderable ego, it comes as little surprise that Sam Allardyce is someone who takes defeat rather personally.

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has rejected the offer of a new five-year contract at St James’ Park.

In-form David Trezeguet has been included in France’s squad for their crunch Euro 2008 qualifiers against Italy and Scotland next month.

Lyon may join Liverpool in the race to sign Gabriel Heinze as they try to come to terms with the loss of captain Cris for six months.

FREDDY SHEPHERD’S colourful and often controversial reign as Newcastle chairman finally came to an end yesterday when the club confirmed he had been replaced by Chris Mort.

Lord Stevens’ long-awaited report into alleged illegal payments clears all Premier League clubs of paying or receiving bungs - but the report raises separate concerns about two managers and a number of agents.

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has been assured his job is safe amid speculation that former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is being lined up to replace him.

RANGERS manager Alex McLeish vowed to step up his bid to sign Feyenoord striker Thomas Buffel and land a replacement for departed defender Jean-Alain Boumsong after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Tannadice.

Gary Caldwell fired Scotland to a famous victory over France and gave their hopes of qualifying for the European Championships a massive shot in the arm.

Disgraced Italian giants Juventus were held to an embarrassing draw against the 10 men of Rimini in the Turin club’s first Serie B appearance following their relegation for their leading role in the Italian match-fixing scandal.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has hit back over claims his club dragged their feet during the transfer window.

NEWCASTLE have confirmed the departure of France defender Jean-Alain Boumsong to Italian giants Juventus.

Newcastle have confirmed the departure of France defender Jean-Alain Boumsong to Italian giants Juventus.

Newcastle are understood to have agreed a £10m (€14.7m) fee with Inter Milan for Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins.

France’s jubilation over unexpectedly making it to the World Cup final has barely reached the hardened kids kicking stones in front of a graffiti-streaked, urine-stained housing project of La Courneuve.

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is backing Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor to provide a long-term solution to the club’s defensive problems.

Newcastle are targeting Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque as they look to increase their attacking resources.

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder will go on the attack as he strengthens his squad.

Glenn Roeder has distanced himself from a move for Sol Campbell, with the Arsenal centre-back’s age being one of the factors why the Newcastle boss would not pursue a transfer.

NEWCASTLE misfit Albert Luque is being targeted by a series of Spanish clubs after launching an attack on manager Glenn Roeder.

GLENN ROEDER laid down his credentials to the men who will decide his future when he steered Newcastle to a top-seven finish with a final day victory over champions Chelsea.

Newcastle 1 Chelsea 0

If Martin O’Neill is to become the next manager of Newcastle, his first task will be to sort out the poor defending that continues to blight the club.

Chelsea 1 Newcastle 0

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder faces defensive problems ahead of his side’s FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

DJIBRIL CISSE has issued an apology through Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez for his controversial behaviour after scoring his side’s third goal from the spot at Newcastle.

Newcastle United 1 Liverpool 3

French defender Jean-Alain Boumsong was sent off as Newcastle crashed to their first home defeat under Glenn Roeder at the hands of in-form Liverpool.

Man Utd 2 Newcastle 0

Newcastle midfielder Emre is confident the feelgood factor has returned to St James’ Park, despite the limbo into which the club has been plunged.

Newcastle 0 Charlton 0

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is determined to play again this season after starting out on the long road to recovery from his dislocated shoulder.

Aston Villa 1 Newcastle 2

Sacked Newcastle manager Graeme Souness has walked into a broadside from his former Liverpool team-mate Mark Lawrenson.

ALAN SHEARER’S dream of becoming manager of Newcastle United moved closer yesterday when he stepped in to assist caretaker boss Glenn Roeder after the sacking of Graeme Souness.

Newcastle caretaker manager Glenn Roeder will be assisted by club captain Alan Shearer following the departure of Graeme Souness.

Newcastle 0 Blackburn 1

Fulham 1 Newcastle 0

NEWCASTLE have been accused by David Pleat of relying too heavily on Alan Shearer.

West Ham 2 Newcastle 4

Newcastle 1 Arsenal 0