Shepherd was in Barcelona on Saturday to discuss plans for a pre-season tournament, but when talk turned to the unsettled Dutch striker he was told that the club would have to make a concrete bid before being allowed to speak to him.
“Newcastle came to invite us to play in a quadrangular match next summer, and they asked for the situation about Patrick,” said Laporta.
“We did not give permission for them to negotiate with the player. Kluivert is a forward of the top level and we need him to score goals, which has been lacking.
“If an offer is made we will study it and we will meet with the club so that it can be considered.”
Well we might not sign Kluivert but it looks as though we could be featuring in a fairly tasty tournament next summer!