And that is followed up with ... "The 23-year-old is being lined up as a replacement for Andy Carroll if the England striker decides he wants to leave St James’ Park in the new year."
Any truth in the story? It's utter BOLLOX!
Carroll has signed a five-year deal with Newcastle, and at no time (unlike Steven Taylor) has he hinted he wants to leave the club.
He has gone out of his way to please the fans saying: "I signed the contract because this is the only club I want to play for.
"Wearing the number nine shirt is the biggest honour anyone can give me, and I want to wear it with pride."
We reported before Carroll's international debut that the England camp is notorious for players being 'tapped' up by bigger clubs.
It has gone on for generations - it happened to Jackie Milburn (although he always snubbed the offers), Gazza, Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle.
Will Carroll stay at Newcastle?
Well that could depend on Mike Ashley ... but even Ashley wouldn't be THAT greedy to take the cash ... would he?
Would he?