Robson says Newcastle interest in Rooney is real after £20m bid

NEWCASTLE boss Bobby Robson has insisted his club’s interest in Wayne Rooney is genuine amid talk of conspiracy theories.

The 71-year-old confirmed for the first time that United are chasing the teenager’s signature after seeing a £20m bid turned down by Everton.

He said little else, however, other than to add that chairman Freddy Shepherd’s offer remains on the table as suggestions of an unlikely alliance between the Magpies and Manchester United surfaced.