Double Villa deal not done, say Magpies

NEWCASTLE have refuted the claim from Doug Ellis that Aston Villa have settled on a fee to take Craig Bellamy and Aaron Hughes to the midlands.

Villa chairman Ellis professed that his side were closing in on the Newcastle pair, but a statement from St James’ Park indicated that he had jumped the gun.

“Despite reports to the contrary, Newcastle United have not agreed any fees with Aston Villa over the sale of Craig Bellamy and Aaron Hughes,” said a club statement.