No bid for Butt

Last updated : 16 January 2004 By Martyn Elliott

The England international was transfer listed at his own request earlier in the week, and after he reportedly ruled out a move to the South the media drew up a list of potential destinations for him.

The result of which were claims in the Daily Star, Daily Express, Daily Mirror and Manchester Evening News that Butt was in talks at St James’ Park – unfortunately it isn’t true.

"It's a load of rubbish," was the blunt response of a club spokesman, when quizzed about the rumours.

Despite other press reports linking the club with Alan Smith, Mark Viduka, Michael Bridges, Henrik Larsson and Lazio’s French midfielder Ousmane Dabo, Sir Bobby isn’t expecting to sign anyone during the January transfer window.

When asked directly if we would be buying anyone, Sir Bobby replied: "Probably not. But who is? When we have got anyone fit we've got a very good squad indeed.

"I suppose if we were under pressure and needed a couple of players badly and had two holes in the team or three holes in the team then I would have to do something about it.

"It was decided in the summer not to spend more money then. We spent a lot of money the year before, which is in this year's budget."

Meanwhile, Leeds United’s chief executive Trevor Birch has dismissed Thursday’s reports that we had made a £2million bid for Smith.