Newcastle United delivered transfer ‘blow’ as Alan Shearer makes Man Utd transfer claim

Here, we round-up all the latest stories that have emerged surrounding Newcastle United and beyond:

AC Milan star speaks about future amid Newcastle United links

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has committed his future to the club amid speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League this summer. Newcastle United are one of the clubs linked with a potential move for the 24-year-old, however, he has reiterated his loyalty to AC Milan.

Speaking to Il Corriere della Sera, Leao said: “My future is at Milan, I am here and I have four years left. Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation and they supported me.

"I won’t forget. I am loyal. I was a kid when I arrived and I’ve grown up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.”

Alan Shearer confirms shock Newcastle United transfer bid

Alan Shearer has confirmed that Newcastle United submitted a bid to sign Wayne Rooney from Manchester United during Freddy Shepherd’s time as chairman. Rooney joined the Red Devils from Everton in August 2004 and was the subject of interest from St James’ Park, before he opted to make the move to Old Trafford.

Rooney would go on to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record as Manchester United’s and England’s all-time record goalscorer whilst at Old Trafford. Shearer, meanwhile, never featured alongside Rooney at club or international level as he became the Premier League and Newcastle United’s all-time record scorer.

Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, Shearer confirmed that there was a possibility he and Rooney could have played alongside each other on Tyneside, although he admitted that it wasn’t a ‘realistic’ transfer. Shearer said: “Yeah they did [submit a bid]. I don’t know how serious it was, the old chairman at the time Freddie Shepherd, his son was involved in the agency so whether it was to speed a new contract up, I don’t know. But Newcastle did put a bid in for him when he was at Man United. 

“Definitely a bid went it for him. It would have been great but I don’t think realistically it was ever going to happen.”