... we knew it already.
Newcastle have tried to push the story under the bed, but the 20-year-old will not be sending Mr Shepherd a Christmas card in December after the Toon chairman blocked his move to Aston Villa on deadline day. You know the story, so we won't revamp old news.
New Villa boss Martin O'Neill has made it known he will return to the player who made a big impression in the Midlands by offering the same deal when the window opens.
The player had travelled to Villa Park with Freddy Shepherd's blessing, and had agreed personal terms and had the medical.