By Matthew Jones
July 23 2003

Chelsea and Manchster United will be battling it out for England Ace, Kieron Dyer. Freddy Shepherd is refusing to comment on whether or not he had recieved a Man Utd bid for the midfielder, but did say that only a ridiculous bid could make him part with the young star. Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has told how only a "ridiculous bid" could make them depart with England midfielder, Kieron Dyer.

Chelsea, who have already invested in some big players this summer, and Manchester United are reportedly battling it out for the young ace.

However, Freddy had claimed that Chelsea, who ahve recently been taken over by Russian Roman Abramovich's, can afford to buy Dyer. It is thought that they will approach Newcastle in Malaysia during the Asia Cup.

Chelsea chairman Ken Bates confirmed there has been no bid from his club for Dyer as of yet.

Shepherd has refused to comment on whether or not he has received a bid from Manchester United - but did dismiss media reports claiming that United had slapped a £25m price tag on their midfielder.

"Kieron Dyer isn't for sale," he said. "I don't think even Ken has enough rubels to buy Dyer. Bobby Robson is probably the best manager in the Premier League and we will support him all the way, so we aren't selling Kieron Dyer.

"We haven't put a price on Kieron Dyer. No-one from Newcastle has put a price on Kieron Dyer."

But pressed as to what size of bid would force Newcastle to sit up and take notice, Shepherd said: "If we got a ridiculous bid, any club in the Premiership would sell him for that.

"But we don't want to sell him and have no intention of selling him."

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