Simao no go

Last updated : 24 June 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Freddy Shepherd was reported to have made an £8million bid for a player that Sir Bobby has made no secret of his admiration for, and one press report in May even claimed he’d arrived at St James’ Park for a medical.

But Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira has now confirmed that he has turned down a bid for the former Barcelona man and that, at the coach’s request, the player is no longer for sale.

"We are going to put our efforts into a strong sporting project next year and for that we need Simao," he said.

"It was a demand of our coach, and so despite our difficult economic situation, we said no to the English."

The reported bid has never been confirmed by anyone from Newcastle.