JERMAINE JENAS IS expected to leave St James’ Park, despite Newcastle United maintaining their public stance that they regard the England midfield player as a cornerstone of their first-team squad. Newcastle have reconciled themselves to another high-profile departure and wish to push through a move to facilitate their rebuilding plans.

Freddy Shepherd, the the club’s chairman, is reported to have made a £4 million bid for Luis Boa Morte, a £500,000 increase on their opening offer. Fulham are demanding £6 million for the Portugal winger, although their need to sell one more player before the transfer window closes is well-known.

Newcastle have not withdrawn their £4.5 million bid for Nicolas Anelka, of Fenerbahçe, and have asked to be kept informed of Michael Owen’s situation at Real Madrid.

Jenas was jeered by a small section of supporters during the 5-0 friendly victory at home to Yeading on Saturday and despite some positive words from Kieron Dyer — “we have got to make him love the area again” — the matter may be beyond healing.

“It’s simple: we don’t want to see any unhappy faces in our dressing-room,” Shepherd said. “We’ve heard nothing from anybody recently. Nobody has made any serious offer for Jenas. Tottenham offered £6 million about six weeks ago, but we rejected that and haven’t heard from them since.”

Dyer has agreed a long-term contract extension, a significant turnaround from this time last year, when he was ostracised by fans. Newcastle hope to push through the signing of Francesco Coco, the Italy full back, from Inter Milan this week.

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