GRAEME Souness will take two of his most trusted lieutenants with him to Newcastle United, writes ANDY NEILD.

Alan Murray, who was Souness's assistant at Blackburn, and Phil Boersma, Rovers' assistant first team coach, have both been lined up for top jobs in the Newcastle backroom staff.

And they could also be joined at St James' Park by Dean Saunders, who is currently the first team coach at Ewood Park.

As I understand it, an agreement has already been struck which paves the way for Murray and Boersma to join the Magpies later this week.