Premature

If today's club statement is to believed, the Daily Heil's announcement that a £227m takeover had been agreed was premature, if not completely wrong.

"The Board of Newcastle notes the further press speculation in the Daily Mail today concerning a possible offer for Newcastle United.

The Board wishes to clarify that it has not accepted any proposals for the Company from any party nor is any due diligence being conducted on the Company.

Therefore there can be no certainty that an offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which any offer would be made.

A further statement will be made as appropriate."

Dunno about you, but I'm prepared to credit the board with telling the truth on this one, given the source of the speculation...