Souness denies talk of rifts on Tyneside

NEWCASTLE manager Graeme Souness has denied having rows with chairman Freddy Shepherd and midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Reports on Sunday morning claimed Newcastle were in turmoil following the Scot's alleged clashes with Shepherd over the club's transfer policy and Jenas over where he played for the club in the Intertoto clash with Deportivo La Coruna.

Souness told Sky Sports News: "I have not had a bust-up with Jenas and do not want to sell him.

"Why would we want to sell him? I have no problem with him.

"He has been away on England duty and what happens is the players have a few beers and chat about how much they are earning.

"Not many of them tell the truth and he has come back a wee bit unsettled but it is total nonsense about having an argument and bust-up, and the same goes for the chairman and I."

Jenas is reported to be unsettled at St James' Park and wanting to escape the 'goldfish-bowl' existence in Newcastle.

Arsenal and Tottenham are thought to be interested in the England midfielder.

Meanwhile, Alan Shearer would love to be paired again with former England colleague Michael Owen in Newcastle's attack, but fears that will be tough for the Geordies to achieve.

Newcastle have admitted their interest in Owen but Shearer believes there will still be plenty of offers made for the Real Madrid striker despite a string of denials from England's top clubs.

Shearer said: "Michael Owen would be an improvement to any club in this league, and that includes Newcastle. I would enjoy playing alongside him again.

"I have made no secret of the fact that I think he is a top, top player and his record suggests that.

"Anyone who wants to score goals should look no further than Michael Owen. Our manager would love him and he would be a great asset but I feel Michael will have a few options.

"I had great times with him for England and he can score goals in any league in the world. He has done it in the Premier League and La Liga, but there will be a few after his signature despite one or two denials."

And Shearer believes that the long list of clubs denying an interest is just a smokescreen.

Shearer, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, said: "Everyone knows what football is like. People are not prepared to say they are after him. He says he's talked to three or four clubs and they could be the three or four who can win the title, who knows?"

On Newcastle's targets for the season, Shearer added: "We have got to get into the top six. There's no European football, which is disappointing, but if we are honest that could work in our favour. Last season we did not have the squad to play so many games and get through them.

"Playing Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday was tough. We have to finish higher than we did because last season wasn't good enough for a club of this size."