NEWCASTLE boss Alan Shearer wants Wigan's Paul Scharner as one of his big signings for next season. (Daily Mirror)Shearer and his staff are working on targets for the summer in the hope they beat the drop - and the feelers have already gone out for the experienced centre-back who could beef up a weak defence.

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Shearer wants Wigan's Paul Scharner as one of his big signings for next season. (Daily Mirror)

Shearer and his staff are working on targets for the summer in the hope they beat the drop - and the feelers have already gone out for the experienced centre-back who could beef up a weak defence.

Scharner has been at Wigan for three seasons, but has hinted he wants a move. He has an escape clause in his contract that would force Wigan to sell if they receive an offer of �6million or more - even though Magpies owner Mike Ashley and his Latics counterpart Dave Whelan have fallen out.

Newcastle are also targeting Charlton's Lloyd Sam, and lead the chase to sign the winger.

Charlton were relegated to League One but the 24-year-old's performances caught the eye of a number of clubs, including Crystal Palace, Reading and Leeds.