Alan Shearer has confirmed his playing days for Newcastle have been brought to a premature end by a knee injury. (The Sun)

Steve McClaren is understood to now be the first choice as the next England boss and he has told his critics to judge him on his record of results. (Various)

Teddy Sheringham says Steve McClaren should not be named England boss just yet because he still has some learning to do. (The Sun)

The next England boss will be paid �3m a year - �1m less than Sven-Goran Eriksson. (Daily Star)

Alan Curbishley is considering not renewing his Charlton contract which runs out next season whether he gets the England job or not. (Daily Star, Express)

David Dein - Arsenal vice-chairman and FA board member - is pushing for the next England boss to be Luiz Felipe Scolari, not McClaren. (Daily Mail, The Independent)

FA chief Brian Barwick could call an EGM early next week to settle who will be the next England boss. (Guardian)

If Steve McClaren leaves Middlesbrough the club will turn to Martin O'Neill, Paul Jewell or Mark Hughes. (Telegraph)

Fulham will step up their bid to sign unsettled Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov. (The Sun)

Thierry Henry is "on the brink" of signing a new deal to stay with Arsenal. (Daily Express)

Liverpool are being targeted for a takeover bid by a Norwegian consortium. (Daily Express, Guardian)

Fulham fear they will lose skipper Luis Boa Morte in the summer with Benfica and Newcastle interested. (Daily Mirror)

Jermaine Jenas fears he could miss out on a place in England's World Cup squad because of a shin injury. (Various)

Jose Mourinho says he has no interest in trying to sign Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard for a third time. (The Sun)

Andy Johnson is ready to quit Crystal Palace this summer even if the club are promoted to the Premiership. (The Sun)

David Beckham has been told he suffers a "mental block at big tournaments" by German legend Franz Beckenbauer. (The Sun)

Watford reveal they fire themselves up for big games by watching Russell Crowe in Gladiator. (Express)

German club Kaiserslautern are to launch another bid for Hibs striker Derek Riordan, who becomes available on a free transfer in October (Daily Record).