 Sam Allardyce's squad restructuring programme will receive fresh impetus as Mike Ashley's management team turn their attentions to footballing affairs having completed a sweeping boardroom cull. And having agreed to continue his Newcastle stewardship, Freddie Shepherd will turn his attentions to helping to negotiate a deal with Olympique Marseille for the Senegalese international Habib Beye. Having captured David Rozehnal from Paris-Saint Germain, Allardyce is keen to continue his defensive overhaul and the versatile Beye is next on his wanted list. The 52-year-old has made three signings since succeeding Glenn Roeder last month. But as a billionaire who is closing in on the 90% stake that will enable him to complete his St James's Park takeover prepares to release significant funds for team strengthening, Allardyce is poised to step up his efforts in the transfer market. The Journal understands an initial £50m budget has been set aside and a manager who will take his squad to a pre-season training camp in Austria next week is keen to start spending as soon as possible. The uncertain situation in the boardroom has complicated Allardyce's efforts this summer. But following yesterday's announcement to the Stock Exchange that the club's management structure has undergone dramatic change, all obstacles have been removed. Having accepted resignations from four United directors, Ashley's thoughts have turned to matters in the dressing room. Chris Mort - the senior man, whose initial role will involve reviewing the club's business practices - and Steve Hayward have joined a new-look board, while a familiar figure will continue to have an input. Following a long meeting, Shepherd has agreed to Ashley's unexpected request that he remain in office at St James's Park. The Magpies chairman had offered to stand down following his decision to sell his stake in the club to the Sports Direct International magnate, but a businessman with no experience in running a football club is keen to utilise his expertise during the initial difficult bedding-in period. Shepherd has made no public comment on the situation - with St James's Park officials last night confirming he will continue in his current role in a short statement. It remains to be seen whether Shepherd figures in Ashley's long-term plans, but his immediate objectives are clear. United's chairman discussed Allardyce's recruitment plans in detail following the former Bolton manager's appointment last month. Yesterday's developments will enable the pair to press ahead, with the additional finances that will be available set to improve their prospects. Although Rozehnal's capture has yet to be confirmed, the Czech international will start the forthcoming Premier League campaign as a Newcastle player following a £3m transfer from the Parc des Princes. Allardyce will return to France as he attempts to strike a deal for another defender. Beye has long been a target and the United boss has received permission to make an approach for the Stade Velodrome captain. The 29-year-old is an accomplished performer at right-back and centre-half and his versatility appeals to a manager who is keen to add strength in both positions. Having spent yesterday tying up loose ends, Rozehnal should finally be unveiled this morning and Allardyce will hope Beye is not far behind. Newcastle continue to be linked with Bordeaux's Julien Faubert, although the 23-year-old appears to be bound for Glasgow Rangers. One player who is not heading to St James's Park this summer is Ryan Babel. The striker caught Allardyce's eye during the European Under-21 Championships but, having revealed his desire to join Arsenal in the future, the 20-year-old is adamant he will remain at Ajax next season. Ghana's Laryea Kingston has revealed that he rejected a move to Newcastle this summer in order to join Hearts on a permanent basis. The midfielder, who had been on loan at Tynecastle from Russian side Terek Grozny, also turned down Bolton. Allardyce will keep a close eye on events at Eastlands. With Sven-Göran Eriksson's appointment as Manchester City's next manager imminent, the former England coach is understood to have identified Michael Owen among his transfer targets and a bid for a player whose £9m release clause has become common knowledge is expected. * NEW Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville jetted into Glasgow yesterday - and immediately vowed to be a success at Ibrox. Darcheville, 31, arrives on a free transfer from Bordeaux and will meet the rest of his team-mates when they report for pre-season training. Boss Walter Smith has also targeted fellow Frenchman Julien Faubert, United States winger DaMarcus Beasley and Scotland stars Lee McCulloch and Steven Naismith as he attempts to wrest the SPL title from Celtic's grasp. The Scottish champions have also strengthened for the new season but Darcheville is confident he can help Rangers come out on top. "I am very happy to finally be here and I can't wait to get started tomorrow," he said. "I hope this season can be a really good one for the club and I am confident it will be. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates very much. "It's important everyone gels together quickly and we will be working towards that in the coming weeks." Darcheville was also targeted by former Gers boss Alex McLeish and he is thrilled to have finally made the move to the Glasgow giants. Having already played for Nottingham Forest, Darcheville has no fears about adapting to the British game. In fact, he insists he is relishing the change of surroundings, adding: "I have much more experience in the game and I think I will be able to fit in well." | 
