Question: Who is the retired English footballer that was signed to play for Southampton, Black Rovers, Newcastle United and the England national team?
Sentence (from "1996–97 Newcastle United F.C. season"): After the disappointment of finishing runner-up to Manchester United in the previous campaign despite having at one stage held a 12-point lead over their rivals, the club responded by signing Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers in July 1996.
Relevant evidence: Yes