BUTT SET TO LEAVE

Freddy Shepherd is believed to have made a fresh bid to sign Nicky Butt. The Newcastle United chairman returned from the club's far east tour yesterday and immediately contacted Manchester United with a view to securing the services of the central midfielder. Butt is understood to be keen on a move to Tyneside and if the clubs cannot agree on a fee he may yet arrive at St James' Park on a season-long loan.