Clubs: No foundation in Moyes rumours

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd and his Everton counterpart Bill Kenwright have moved to end speculation linking David Moyes with the managerless north-east club.

Moyes, who signed a new Everton contract last year which will keep him on Merseyside until 2010, was the latest big name to be touted as Graeme Souness’ replacement.

The Scot refused to comment on the speculation but Newcastle and Everton went to the lengths of issuing a joint statement.

“Both football clubs were amazed to see huge speculation this morning regarding the possibility of David Moyes leaving Everton and joining Newcastle United,” said the statement.

Shepherd, who is reported to have courted Martin O’Neill and Sam Allardyce, said: “Bill Kenwright is one of my closest friends in football and I have phoned him this morning to say Newcastle have not approached David Moyes, will not approach David Moyes, and wish him and Everton only the best of success.”

Kenwright added: “I know David Moyes. I know Freddy Shepherd. The story is fabrication and total nonsense. It should be discounted immediately.”