NEWCASTLE United have been put on alert after learning that Manchester City are willing to listen to offers for Richard Dunne.

With Sven-Goran Eriksson's future at Eastlands uncertain, owner Thaksin Shinawatra is understood to be prepared to sell any player at the right price.

Dunne is one of several players Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has identified as he looks to make improvements to his squad.

The City skipper, sent-off in Sunday's 8-1 drubbing at Middlesbrough, has become unsettled by speculation surrounding Eriksson's future.

And if, as expected the City boss is relinquished of his services this summer, then Dunne may also feel that it is time to move on.

However, if Keegan is given the green light to make a move for the Republic of Ireland international he faces stiff competition from Arsenal, who have emerged as surprise contenders for the 28-year-old.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is also assessing the situation after losing Olof Mellberg to Juventus.

If Keegan is unsuccessful in his attempts to land Dunne then he could make a surprise move to hijack Sunderland's attempts to sign Jonny Evans permanently after two successful loan spells at the Stadium of Light.

There is a possibility that the Black Cats could yet re-sign the Northern Irish defender on loan for a third time, but on a seasonlong agreement.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has yet to make a decision on his plans for Evans next season, but it is more than likely that he will only be allowed to leave Old Trafford on a temporary basis.

Much depends on United defender Gerard Pique, who is intersting Barcelona.

Evans was behind the Spaniard in the defensive pecking order at United. But if Pique's move to Camp Nou goes through then Evans may have some part to play for the Premier League champions next season.

* Former England coach Peter Taylor is being lined up to take on a coaching role at St James'.

9:34am Friday 16th May 2008

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