Shepherd Takes Blast From Deportivo

Though Newcastle are ready to pay £8 million and Hugo Viana in exchange for the 27-year-old Spanish international, Depor are demanding the cash equivalent - thought to be in the region of £10.7 million, which The Magpies would be reticent to pay.

Bids for Michael Owen and Nicolas Anelka have failed to bring the type of quality craved at St James' Park, as the pressure mounts for Souness to land an experienced partner for Alan Shearer.

''It's true the English invented the rules of football, but not the rules when it comes to negotiating a deal,'' said Lendoiro. ''First there has to be an agreement arrived at with Depor and afterwards with the player.''