Shepherd shoots down links

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has denied reports of a joint £6.5million bid for Leeds pair Alan Smith and Danny Mills.

Shepherd insisted he and manager Sir Bobby Robson have not even held preliminary discussions about targets for next season.

"The end-of-season meeting with Sir Bobby Robson about players for next season has not even been held yet," he said.

"There have been no decisions about players for next season because the current season isn't over yet and we are completely focused on our next two matches."

Smith is a player Robson admires and one who could yet find his way to St James' Park, although Middlesbrough, Liverpool and Birmingham are also believed to be interested.

The link with Mills, however, is more tenuous, although Robson's desire to add a proven full-back to his squad is no secret.