Newcastle chairman: Real Madrid have told me they won't go for Luque

Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd has moved to end all doubts over the future of winger Albert Luque.
 
Shepherd told The Evening Chronicle: "I have heard these stories and because they are still there I have actually spoken to Real Madrid in the past couple of days, just like I did with Manchester United when there was talk they wanted to sign Shay Given."

"Real have admitted they are admirers of Luque, and indeed it was they who recommended him to us when we bought him from Deportivo La Coruna in August."

"But they have stressed to me that they are not looking for a striker at the moment, and don't forget they are currently without a manager."