By Matt Jones
December 31 2005

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has been in touch with Real Madrid in an attempt to put an end to rumours over the future of winger Albert Luque following. The move comes after tabloid newspapers once again claimed the recent Toon signing could be on his way back to Spain. Speaking to The Evening Chronicle, Shepherd said: "I have heard these stories and because they are still there I have actually spoken to Real Madrid in the past couple of days, just like I did with Manchester United when there was talk they wanted to sign Shay Given.

"Real have admitted they are admirers of Luque, and indeed it was they who recommended him to us when we bought him from Deportivo La Coruna in August.

"But they have stressed to me that they are not looking for a striker at the moment, and don't forget they are currently without a manager."

Shepherd has already rubbished reports once; about a week stating: "These stories are just rubbish.

"I don't know where people get the idea from that we'd consider selling a player we worked so hard to sign only four months ago.

"Why on earth would we do that? Albert has only been here for a short time and the best is still to come from him in a black and white shirt.

"He is regarded as one of the best players in Spain and we think he will be a big player for us, so these stories are ludicrous."