Blackburn Rovers assistant boss Tony Parkes today hit back at the persistent Alan Shearer transfer rumours.

And he confidently predicted that the Euro 96 golden shot will kick-off the Premiership campaign in the famous blue and white halves of Blackburn Rovers.

Wild rumours continue to sweep the town that Shearer is poised for a record-busting move to double winners Manchester United.

And before last night's Italy versus Germany clash, Old Trafford was awash with predictions that Shearer would be putting pen to paper on a sizzling £12 million pound deal with Manchester United in near future.

Parkes, however, put the record straight over the future of England's number one centre-forward and said: "People keep saying Alan Shearer is going to Manchester United or abroad.

"But I'm very confident he'll still start the season with Blackburn.

"In fact I don't think that'll be a problem. I think Alan will make it clear himself when he thinks he's done all he can do at Blackburn and decides to move. "If he did, then there would not be anything underhand. The situation would be sorted out very quickly because Alan is that kind of player and that kind of person.

"I feel there is a mutual respect between between Alan Shearer and Blackburn. If the time comes, I think he'd let the club know.

"But there is no indication that he is going to move anywhere and I hope he never does."

Shearer has set Euro 96 alight for the nation with four England goals to book a quarter-final place against Spain on Saturday.

And he recently exclusively told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph on the eve of Euro 96 that he would be back at Brockhall for the start of pre-season training.

Parkes added: "Obviously Alan is always going to attract attention because he is the number one striker in Britain right now, if not Europe or the world.

"But how could you replace him? It's all right saying he would command £12m or £15m in the market place. He is a world class goalscorer.

"He was Blackburn's first big signing and I think he was the yardstick to show the rest of football that Blackburn Rovers meant business.

"What he has done for Blackburn is nothing short of remarkable. He is a great ambassador for the club and is a credit to his profession. I'm confident he will be with Blackburn Rovers next season."

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