COLIN Todd sparked a guessing game today when he threw a veil of secrecy over his interest in Newcastle veteran Peter Beardsley.

The Wanderers' boss refused to confirm he is trying to sign the 36-year-old former England international.

Instead he revealed he has thrashed out a deal for another player which is likely to be finalised next week.

Reports originating from the North East claim that Todd, together with Wanderers chairman Gordon Hargreaves, had talks with Beardsley in a hotel at Scotch Corner on the A1 yesterday.

Beardsley, whose days on Tyneside appear to have been numbered since Kenny Dalglish replaced Kevin Keegan as manager, is said to be considering an offer to join Wanderers in the Premiership. But he too has refused to shed any light on the matter.

Todd would only say: "I was on the A1 and I was crunching out a deal for a player ... but it wasn't Peter Beardsley.

"I have agreed a fee with a club but the player is currently away on holiday so I've only been able to speak to his agent. However, I'm confident we have set up a deal and it should go through next week.

"I don't want to reveal the identity of the player or the club involved at this stage. As for Peter Beardsley, there is an interest but I'm not saying anything at the moment."

Coincidentally, Wanderers are still understood to be pursuing another Newcastle player, full-back John Beresford. Meanwhile Beardsley, vastly experienced and with 59 international appearances to his name, is nowadays referred to as the Peter Pan of football. As recently as last season, Keegan called him his 'golden oldie'.

He still has a year of his Newcastle contract to run but the writing is on the wall after he started just three of the last 16 Premiership games under Dalglish, who had previously been his manager at Liverpool.

Converted from an out-and-out striker to a slightly withdrawn role in recent years, Beardsley remains one of the most respected figures in the game. He was awarded the MBE for his services to the sport a year ago and this year received a special merit award from the PFA.

It has been suggested that a potentially lucrative testimonial next season will tie him to Tyneside but St James' Park insiders reckon the current regime is lukewarm on an understanding between the player and Keegan, his former manager and friend.

Wigan Athletic were still waiting today for Scott Green to give the thumbs up to a record breaking £300,000 transfer.

Utility-man Green is out of contract with Wanderers after turning down the offer of a new contract.

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